Honour for pre-Windrush doctor who served poor communities

In 1919 Dr George Alfred Busby left his native Barbados to work in east London before finally settling in Ghana. He’s been honoured with a blue plaque for providing healthcare to people who often couldn’t afford it

HONOUR: Dr George Alfred Busby with his wife Sarah in 1941

GEORGE ALFRED Busby was a man who made a huge impact on the many people he met while practising as a doctor in Britain and Africa. 

He was born to Richard (a tailor) and Louisa Busby in Barbados on January 8 1899.

Six weeks later the family relocated to Trinidad, where his siblings Milly, Arthur and Zander were born.

A bright child, Busby earned a place at Queen’s Royal College, developing a lifelong friendship with fellow pupil C. L. R. James, who went to become a world-renowned historian. 

LIFE OF SERVICE: Dr Busby in 1938

In 1917, Busby won the coveted Island Scholarship, awarded on the results of the Higher Certificate Examination, entitling him to study at university in the UK. In November that year he also won the Governor’s Prize in a national competition for an essay on “Patriotism” (third prize went to C. L. R. James). 

Top student

Taking up the scholarship, however, was delayed until after WWI ended, so it was in 1919 that he eventually left for Britain. 

His medical studies began at Edinburgh University, and after two years he transferred to University College Dublin, where he was better able to eke out the meagre funds at his disposal. 

Busby graduated as a physician and surgeon in 1925, and that year married Beryl Davis. 

She had studied medicine at Bristol University, and although she became the first Trinidadian woman to qualify as a doctor.

However her aspirations did not chime with a frugal lifestyle and she later returned to the Caribbean with the couple’s only child, Wallace (1926-2011), signalling the end of the marriage.

SUPPORTIVE: Dr Busby’s wife Sarah, a dedicated nurse, was equally committed to helping poorer people get access to decent health care

Busby began his career as a general practitioner in Walthamstow, East London, staying at 66 Erskine Road from 1926 to 1929. 

In this pre-National Health era medical care was not free.

However he won a reputation as a doctor who would go the extra mile to make sure that people who did not have much money had access to healthcare.

Barter system

He often recalled the barter system by which the butcher paid him in pork chops. 

In 1929 Busby left Britain for the Gold Coast, (now Ghana), where he lived for the rest of his life. But he continued interacting with his Walthamstow patients long after he left. 

In January 1941, Busby married Sarah Christian, who had studied nursing in England in the 1930s and shared his commitment to making a difference to healthcare in the country.

They had three children, born in Ghana: George Jr, Eileen and Margaret Busby. The latter would become the first black publisher in the UK, and is currently Chair of the Booker Prize.

HONOUR: Guests at a blue plaque unveiling at the house in east London where Busby lived in the 1920s

Now his life and work have been honoured with a Nubian Jak blue plaque which was unveiled on Monday March 9. 

At the plaque unveiling ceremony, his renowned daughter, publisher Dr Margaret Busby said: “Speaking on behalf on my brother George and sister Eileen, as well as myself, I must say what an honour it is to have our father’s dedication and hard work as a doctor recognized by the installation of this blue plaque on the house where he lived in the 1920s. 

‘Inspired by his sacrifices’

“As a newly qualified physician and surgeon, he allied himself with the residents of East London, and in particular Walthamstow, when times were hard, before relocating to the Gold Coast in West Africa to practise in the rural areas where basic amenities – whether electricity or running water – were unavailable, and there was an even greater need for medical care. 

“We are proud of all that he achieved, and we continue to be inspired by the sacrifices he chose to make in order to improve the lives of others.

SELFLESS: Busby and others made financial contributions to Britain’s war effort

Dr Jak Beula, CEO of Nubian Jak Community Trust, who awarded the plaque, said: “An apple never falls far from the tree. The remarkable achievements and humility of Dr George Alfred Busby, and the impact he had on his family and the world are clear for all to see in his equally remarkable daughter, Dr Margaret.”

When Dr Busby decided to settle in Ghana he told friends that he saw it as a return to the land of his maternal great-grandmother. 

A small, dedicated group of other West Indian professionals also made the move to the Gold Coast during the first part of the 20th Century, and during WWII, along with Dr Busby, even contributed hundreds of pounds to England’s War Chest. 

As a newly qualified physician and surgeon, he allied himself with the residents of East London, and in particular Walthamstow, when times were hard, before relocating to the Gold Coast in West Africa to practise in the rural areas where basic amenities – whether electricity or running water – were unavailable

Dr Margaret Busby, daughter

Dr Busby practised initially in Nsawam, but then made his base in the small town of Suhum, electing to work in the rural areas where medical care was most needed.

MUCH LOVED: Tributes poured in from people in Walthamstow at the news of his passing on October 4 1980

Upon Dr Busby’s death, in London on October 4 1980, the many tributes paid captured something of his selflessness and the impact he made on people. 

“He was unique in his smooth relations with all manner of persons: rich or poor, black or white,” said the obituary in the Daily Graphic: “Born in the West Indies, settled in Ghana, laid to rest in England, Dr Busby was truly an “International” – a rare personality.”

‘He touched many lives’

Milton Inniss, High Commissioner for Barbados, said at the unveiling ceremony: “The Barbados High Commission is proud to be associated with the efforts to recognise and celebrate the life and achievements of a fellow Barbadian. Dr George Busby, through his generosity and professional expertise, touched the lives of many persons in the UK and Africa. He has left with us a great example of service to humanity which is worthy of emulation.”

His Excellency Papa Owusu-Ankhomah, High Commissioner for Ghana, added: “In Ghana we are well aware of the invaluable work of Dr George Busby, who dedicated most of his life to the development and practice of our medical services, especially in rural areas. It is a delight to learn that he was also valued by his patients and friends as a GP in Walthamstow.” 

Comments Form

6 Comments

  1. | Stephen Johnson

    Great lets have more like this.

    Reply

  2. | Joanna

    This is a brilliant and wonderful story of a life well lived and amazing children and heritage. Congratulations

    Reply

  3. | Dr. Sam Christian

    The Christian family and West Indians by extension honour the life work of Dr. George Busby. There is so much to be admired in returning to the land where the family was once taken generations ago.

    May Dr. Busby’s humble focus and self-sacrificial professional service ever impel us to achieve greater heights as an indomitable people.

    Reply

  4. | Ben sharp

    That’s my family. Great great uncle to at least myself Adam sky.
    Thomas Maxime joel.
    Jean Marc Jean Paul Danielle and Johanna
    Karen.
    Cheryl Claire and gaelle.
    Great uncle to Richard Sue Michelle Jacqueline Jeanne and Cathy. And relative to many more. An inspiration to others. Any Busbys see this. Add Busby family tree on Facebook

    Reply

  5. | John

    This is a most inspirational story. We need many more Dr Busbys in our world.

    Reply

  6. | Ben sharp

    So proud to discover this a few years ago when chasing my family tree. He is in fact my great great uncle. Brother of my great grandfather Arthur who was the chief magistrate of Trinidad and Tobago.

    Reply

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