Biographical Sketch of Guyanese Deva Sarran Samaroo

Deva Sarran Samaroo lived in Kingsbury, London, England for last 59 years. He was born in Canal No. 1, West Bank Demerara. He attended primary and secondary school in the village. At age 10 to 18, he was a member of Boy Scouts. Deva pioneered and helped formed a youth movement called Pelican Youth. The club eventually built a Community Centre with Deva a volunteer. Deva was also instrumental in pioneering and establishing a Branch of the St. Johns Ambulance Brigade. He became the first Divisional Officer. He joined the Volunteer Force “ARYA VIR DAL”.

Deva sat for GCE O’ Level doing quite well. Then he set his sight on higher education. He arrived in England at age 19 years and entered the Health Service in August in 1961.

The below are some activities and accomplishments of Mr. Samaroo during his presence in England as related to me in a CV: 

 Actively supported the Consett Steel Workers and Coal Miners (1962-64).

 A Member of Brent Youth and Community Service/Vice-chair of Kingsbury Youth and Community Centre.

 Founded member “SCOPE” A project for the unemployed Black and Asian youth. (Alperton Wembley)

 Acting General Secretary of the Brent Indian Association.

 Pioneered research project in the incidence of Rickets in the Asian Community. (successfully campaignedfor the addition of Vitamin “D” in Chappati flour and margarine to alleviate problem,)

 Persuaded the authorities to monitor the incidence of Tuberculosis in the Asian Community:

 Persuaded Child Health Care to monitor Dental Health problems in Asian school children.

 Campaigned against the use of Depo-Provera contraceptive for Asian Women.

 Campaigned for the establishment of the first Asian Women’s Refuge for victim of domestic violence.

 A founding member of the Ethnic Minority Health Group. Established a Health advisory services for Chinese community in the Soho area of Central London

 1978- A member of Brent Community Health Council.

 Researched and wrote a Leaflet on the Dental Health Service called “THE DRILL and FILL RACKET”

 Researched and planned the booklet Black People and the Health Service. Both published by Brent CHC.

 Researched and appeared in London Health Emergency documentary shown on CH4.

 Founder Member and Trustee of Brent Hindu Samaj. Pioneered the outdoor celebration of Diwali and Holi.

 Made aware the effects of Alcohol, Caste, Dowry and Provincialism on the Cultural, Social, Religious andFamily life on the Hindu Community.

 President of Hindu Centre London. The oldest Hindu organisation in Europe. Presently I am the Vice-President.

 Member of North London Pastoral Group. Visit patients in hospitals, hospices and other institutions as aHindu Priest.

 Former member of CND. Went on the Aldermaston march. Plant and Blessed “PEACE” trees with BruceKent.

 Former member of NUPE. Represent the Union on Health and Safety and Staff consultative committees.

 Represented “Black and Asian” on grading issues in the Health Service.

 Original member of Brent SACRE. Give lectures to school assemblies on Hinduism.

 Former Governor of several schools in Brent. Member of Brent Race and Health Forum, and of Brent and Harrow Drug and Alcohol Abuse Forum

 1981 Joined Swami Agnivesh and started the “Bonded Child Labour Movement” in India whichsubsequently established the “MUKTI ASHRAM” a Rehabilitation Centre for rescued Bonded ChildLabour, in Delhi.

 I am a member of Anti Slavery International and War on Want.

 Worked in the Health Service for 34 years Was in-charge of an ICU Pioneered the after Care in the earlydays of Heart, Heart and Lung, and Heart, Lung and Liver transplants.  Travelled extensively in Europe and made many contacts in relation to my voluntary work.

 Served as Member of Brent CHC. Contributed in the awareness campaign of ComplimentaryMedicine: The development of Wembley Hospital and Edgware Community Hospital.

Knowledge:

 Professional Qualifications: SRN, RMN, QN, NDN, and BTA; Dip. Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, Diploma Intensive Care. Diploma Further Education, First Line and Middle line Management. Licentiate and Diploma in Acupuncture, and Bachelor in Homeopathy

 Communication Skills.Communication was an important part of my career development. I attended management andcounselling courses. I under took staff appraisals, interviewed new recruits and evaluated staff development. All of these tasks involved report writing and oral communication skills. Also my voluntary and community work requires me to communicate both verbally and in writing with many agencies, authorities and different cultures and customs.

 Campaign SkillsThe above details show my life long participation in campaigning on many various issues. I have campaigned for the Labour Party in all types of election since 1962. I firmly believe that campaigns are most successful when the local party is fully consulted and involved, and not when campaigns are directed from distance offices. Volunteers and members must be well briefed; meet regularly to plan in the 1997 general election we achieved the highest swing in the country as a result of our locally determined and planned efforts. I have organised a successful campaign for the addition of vitamin “D” in chapatti flour and margarine by writing letters, petitioning, using the press and the result of the research into the incidence of Rickets.I have often organised the Roe Green ward election campaigns. The campaign in 1998 local Government elections saw nationally renowned Tory Peter Gold, ousted, in one of the biggest swing to Labour in the Country.

 Representational and Problem solving Skills

 Taken up consumer matters for individuals and resolved them Prepared cases for individuals in tribunals and the small claims’ court

 Taken up issues with Councils and professional bodies on behalf of individuals Represented individuals at disciplinary hearings.

 Interpersonal, Team work Liaison skillsIn my professional capacity, in-charge of an ICU, interpersonal team work and liaison skills wereessential to co-ordinate the staff and resources necessary.As mentioned before my community and voluntary work puts me in a position, where my ability tolisten and understand the problem and concerns of people, from all background, class, religion and culturesenables me to offer solutions and communicate the facts

 Other skills:I am fully aware of the importance of the relationship between the media and elected representative bothto highlight concerns and to ensure that the message gets across in a favourable light. In my role as press officer for the Labour Parties’ and ward organiser I used my ability to raise issues by press releases, organise press calls writing letters and by building personal relation ship with the Press/Media. My understanding of the problem of the Asian community enables me to use the Asian press. Personal Statement:

 I am fully committed to the National Health Service. I think it is one of the best service institution in theworld. My years of working within it helped me in the development of changes that took place. This is testimony of my sincere believe in the NHS. I feel a lot more need to be done to improve the delivery of services and I would like to contribute to this.