Ros Howells, later Lady Howells of St Davids, chaired a committee of British Caribbean representatives at the then Commonwealth Institute, Kensington, London, when it was promoting a year-long Caribbean Focus cultural and educational programme in 1986.
A highly consequential enterprise, it was supported by 50 Caribbean communities round the country, with a Caribbean Express touring an art and educational show around 21 railway stations; a Caribbean Music Village in nearby Holland Park; a pan-Caribbean Theatre Company; a literary conference and much else.
Ros helped us negotiate the trickier moments with calm diplomacy and Caribbean understanding.
She remained my friend, and all who worked with her then recall her with affection.
