Roy and Carmen Wiltshire:

Trailblazing Global Humanitarians and Windrush Pioneers

Roy and Carmen have dedicated over six decades to humanitarian efforts, transforming countless lives through their unwavering commitment to social change and socioeconomic sustainability. Roy and Carmen have made a significant global impact in their field. Their journey highlights their selflessness, resilience, and profound impact on communities across the UK, Jamaica, and Ghana.

Early Efforts and Advocacy:

From the outset, Roy and Carmen have been staunch advocates for those in less fortunate circumstances or those in need of their immediate guiding support since the 1960s.
Their advocacy extended to meeting, temporarily housing, and assisting their families, also Windrush Commonwealth settlers, upon their arrival in the U.K. from the Caribbean, as well as rallying community support for the homeless by providing food, shelter, and hope to those in need. Their initiatives have immeasurably impacted the physical, social, and mental health of countless individuals, offering a lifeline to those who had lost hope and direction.

​

Carmen’s Path to Academic Excellence:

Carmen’s educational journey reflects her commitment to personal growth. In 2013, she earned a Master of Arts in Christian Psychology (counseling). Her academic achievements also include a degree in Christian Psychology and Conflict from Cannon University, Florida, a BA (Hons) Degree in Fashion and Technology from Kent College of Art and Design (awarded by Kent and Canterbury University) in 1999, and an HND in Fashion Design from Berkshire College of Art and Design in 1997. Additionally, Carmen holds a PGCE combined Certificate in Adult Education teaching from Kingston College and South Thames College.

International Humanitarian Initiatives - Establishing the Karoy Foundation:

​

Roy and Carmen’s compassion knew no borders. At 69, Carmen Wiltshire, the CEO and visionary behind the Karoy Foundation, established the organisation in 2009 with her husband Roy. Together, they formalised their lifelong mission to change lives, drive social change, and promote socioeconomic sustainability.

 

The Foundation has led multi-faceted sustainable aid projects, including:

​

• The Karoy Foundation Community College for adults in South London, UK

• An Elementary School Construction in Ghana

• Clean Water Borehole Projects in Ghana

• Breakfast Programmes in Jamaican Schools

• Educational Resources for Jamaican Schools

• Fundraising Initiatives: Organising sponsored walks, cake sales, galas, and concerts to support their charity’s objectives.

 

London, United Kingdom -  They established the Karoy Foundation Community College in 2009, offering courses in essential key skills such as Maths, English, Cooking, Sewing and Information Technology.  This college empowered adults to gain confidence and improve their socioeconomic standing.

​

Jamaica, West Indies - Supporting underprivileged children, they provide breakfast at one school in Manchester, ensuring no child started their day hungry.  In two schools, they are providing essential educational resources, including books, stationery, and ergonomic chairs. This ensures that the children can focus on their studies and have equal opportunities to learn in a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment.

​

​

Yaw Boadi, near Mangoase, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, West Africa - In the mountainous regions, they built a borehole clean water well, and  are currently in the process of building an elementary school, set for completion in late 2024/early 2025, aiming to provide village children and adults with access to education.
 
Pakro, Ghana -Their clean water borehole projects  in the community of Mubosco in Pakro, established in 2014 in partnership with local professionals and villagers, have provided essential clean water to remote communities with a focus on eliminating the safety risks of violence against women and children walking for miles to find and return home with water. 

​

The impact of these initiatives is profound. For the children in Manchester, Jamaica, having access to nutritious meals and proper educational resources means they can focus on their studies without the distraction of hunger or discomfort. This not only improves their academic performance but also boosts their self-esteem and future prospects. For these families, it brings relief and hope, knowing their children have a better chance at a brighter future. In the community of Mubosco in Pakro. Ghana, the clean water projects and the ongoing school construction are lifelines for the communities, ensuring better health, education, and overall quality of life. These efforts foster a sense of sustainability and empowerment, as the communities are actively involved in the projects, learning skills and gaining resources that will benefit them for generations.

​​

Personal Sacrifices and Mentorship:

​​

On many occasions over the decades, Roy and Carmen's home became a temporary sanctuary for those in need, welcoming individuals until they could confidently regain their independence. Their mentorship and counselling have guided people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have become respected pillars of British society.

​

These projects, funded through charitable donations and often partially self-funded by Roy and Carmen, highlight their unwavering commitment to ensuring no project or person is let down.

​​​

Overcoming Adversity:

​​​​

Despite facing racism, the tragic violent loss of their adult son, hostility, and adversity, Roy and Carmen never let these challenges cloud their ability to see the goodness in others. Even after retiring at 62 and enduring the premature loss of their son, their dedication to service remained unwavering.  

​​

Carmen steadfastly dedicated herself to her role within the Ministry of Justice, advocating for justice and equity, and providing crucial support to ex-offenders. Meanwhile, Roy selflessly devoted his time to transporting the young, elderly, and disabled, providing an indispensable service to those in need. 

​

Carmen's Musical Legacy:

​

Hailed nationally as the First Lady of Black British Gospel Music, Carmen’s service to the church and wider community as a Pentecostal licensed minister and vocalist is paramount. Music has always been Carmen’s first love. She is both a Gospel legend and a respected operatic soprano vocalist. Recognised early in her childhood in Jamaica for her natural singing talent, Carmen’s voice, likened to that of a bird, garnered widespread attention. She has mentored, supported, shared her faith, and impacted countless lives through the power of song.

​

In the early 70s, Carmen and her husband visited the sick, both young and elderly, at their homes, hospices, or hospitals, where she sang soothing songs. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, her passion for gospel music led her to create two gospel singles and form “The Hope Group,” consisting of seven young people and herself, all now considered Black British gospel stalwarts.  The group became a beacon of light in their community, harmonising with passion and purpose to uplift and inspire.

 

Carmen has sung for Her Majesty The Queen, appeared on BBC television programmes, and toured the UK with “The Hope Group during the early 80s, performing at prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall. Her album, “Make a Joyful Noise,” released in 2003 under C.W. Music/Nodel Music (Noel Robinson’s label), received respectable appreciation in both Christian and secular circles. Carmen’s musical influence extends globally, as she signed a worldwide publishing deal with Scamp Music and Cringe Music, part of the Digimix Music Organisation.

​

In November 2018, Carmen performed as an honorary guest at the National 70th Year of Windrush Church and Music event, ‘Singing Our Story From The Front Room To The Palace,’ in London, founded by Jay Fletcher. This event, streamed internationally, recognised her as a Windrush church and gospel pioneer, honouring pioneers from that era and the generations.

​​​

Legacy and Inspiration:

​​​

Now 85 and 81 respectively, Carmen and Roy, also retired ministers, continue to inspire with their steadfast pursuit of “tilting the world in favour of the poor,” a mission inspired by Bob Geldof. Their legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and steadfast dedication to making the world a better place.

​​

Roy and Carmen's story is a powerful reminder that true change begins with selfless acts of kindness and a commitment to uplifting those in need. Their life's work has left an indelible mark on the world, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

​