Community Rep Interview
by Rob Smith

Rob Smith interviews Dorrett Buckley-Greaves who came to England from Jamaica in 1956. She was elected in April, as one of the Community Reps on the New Deal Partnership Board.

“In 1957 I eventually came and settled here in Burngreave. This was a beautiful and delightful place which met all our needs. There was a bank, vestry hall, church, shop, library, cinema and two parks that were always well tended.”

So how do you feel about having the opportunity now to represent Burngreave?
I am glad for the privilege to be on the board, so I can participate in the development of the area at a high-profile level. Being one of the most senior citizens of the area, with a lot of experience behind me, I feel I have a lot to contribute.

How are you settling into the role of a partnership board rep?
Quite well, but I feel I’d like to have another two years. I do not think one term is long enough to observe first-hand everything and help construct the full change. I will stand again.

Do you feel you now have the power to make a difference?
Since being a partnership board member I’ve been to many different organizations. Being an elder and now able to represent allows gives me a voice and has helped boost my confidence. I also represent the interests of Burngreave at the Elders’ Congress based at the town hall. I feel I have the power to say yes or no or whatever in the fundamental interests of our community and its people who know deprivation and hardship. I don’t only blame years of government policy, but also some of those amongst us who’ve always been out to feather their own nests, leaving the rest of us in ignorance and way behind.

What would you like to see change or happen while you’re on the board?
I would like to see, amongst other things, the Spital Hill area developed into a nice Champs-Elysées. Please excuse my French.

What would make being a Rep easier?
Everyone becoming aware of the real issues and being prepared to challenge those that are wrong. For me life as a rep will become much easier as the partnership board, bond together, understand the issues and stand up and be counted.

Other Community Rep interviews:

Issue 32, June 2003: Aisha Special K
Issue 33, August 2003: Adam Jones
Issue 34, September 2003: Natasha MacFarlane
Issue 35, October 2003: Tony Hall
Issue 37, December 2003: Kelvin Pine