Desmond Jaddoo: A man on a mission

The nation's number one Black newspaper, The Voice - recently proclaimed that Desmond Jaddoo was a ‘Man on the mission.'

It’s true; he is, and you better not get in his way, because the force of Jaddoo is very much like one of those Black activists from the 60s or 70s: driven, selfless, with a moral compass that Westminster politicians can only dream about.

Jaddoo’s mission is to tackle racial discrimination from a position of power. Political power. Working with OBV, he has been one of the key drivers, along with Bishop Joe Aldred, to ensure the people of Birmingham are registered to vote.

Last week, he held a voter-registration clinic at a e newly-opened Panel Croft villages in Newtown where more than 200 people over the age of 55 are living in a specially-built complex.

Speaking to OBV Jaddoo, said:

This is my fifth event like this. I’ve registered literally hundreds of individuals now. But as you know, its not easy convincing some in our community that we can make a massive difference by political empowerment."

During the event, Jaddoo registered Resident Christopher Smith, aged 62, a retired chauffeur, who hails from Spanish Town in Jamaica, who said:

I used to vote years ago but let it lapse. It wasn’t until the elections for the Police, and Crime Commissioner came up last November that I decided to use my vote again. But when I went to vote I was told I wasn’t registered. They simply said ‘you are not on the list.’ I thought they were joking. It made me realise how important it was to have a voice in the voting process, so I’m delighted I can now register again. It’s one of the most important things any of us can do."

The Desmond Jaddoo’s of this world are not easy to come by. But if you think, you’ve got what it takes to undertake voter-registration clinics in your area and inspire a generation, contact OBV @ info@obv.org.uk

Simon Woolley