Avia Ustanny, Outlook Writer

Anthony Wade and his wife, Vasantha. - Claudine Housen/Staff Photographer

Anthony Wade has just completed writing his memoirs - The Adventures of an Economic Migrant. The man who left Montserrat on 21st June 1954 on the SS Ascania for England is also author of two previous publications: How they made a million (the Dyke & Dryden Story) and Black Enterprise in Britain.

Anthony Wade became a millionaire after throwing in his lot with two Jamaicans - Len Dyke and Dudley Dryden and says "the reason why we all go abroad is to improve ourselves and then to pass on something to someone else."

Although he is often mistaken for a Jamaican himself, Wade grew up in Morning Hill in northern Montserrat the village where the matriarch was Kiziah Greenaway, his grandmother.

Greatest Granny ever

"She was the greatest granny ever, always gentle and kind, but a firm disciplinarian," Wade remembers.

"After the passing of my grandfather in 1925, this woman took charge, inspiring and guiding her children."

The results were outstanding. Her offspring included Charles, a headmaster of Cavalla Hill School who was credited with an MBE for turning out the first crop of home-grown island administrators.

Another was Dick, Anthony's father who made his mark as an inspector of schools. There were other gifted uncles who became local Methodist preachers.

Montserrat, Wade says, is a place of precious memories.

In his new book, he tells the story of scaling gigantic volcanic rock formations. "We could see snake - heads popping out from under the rocks only to slither in our direction along tracks in the hillside. Although harmless, I would literally freeze, terrified with fear at the sight of these crawling grisly-looking creatures."

But, he and his friends would continue their journey, intent on reaching the giant hairy mango tree at the bottom or sugar apple and sour sop in their season.

Mother's early death

After Wade's mother's early death, his father became a lone parent, but a very effective one. Wade recalls that "he was a man of independent means and instilled in his children the merits of thrift and the importance of 'positive thinking'.

Wade emigrated to the U.K. from Montserrat in 1954 to pursue a career in public administration. He was, he recalls, in the right place at the right time. Along with his Jamaican colleagues Dyke and Dryden, he created the company which was to pioneer the black hair care industry in Britain, while making millions doing so.

"The indigenous people did not care about our needs. Our women needed hair preparations and makeup. We set out to do something about it," he states.

Wade worked for 31 years as chairman and chief executive officer for Dyke & Dryden Ltd, purchasing 33 per cent of the equity in 1968. Dyke & Dryden became the largest black owned company in Britain during the last three decades of the 20th century.

A subsidiary company, Afro Hair & Beauty Ltd was founded in 1982. Anthony Wade was also chairman and chief executive of this company which managed the annual Afro Hair & Beauty exhibition which has since become part of the U.K.'s black business landscape and an incubator for new businesses.

Wade led the development of the company's brands, Supercurl and Natural Beauty products, which became market leaders in the U.K. and abroad. His companies have served as a model of black achievement which has inspired many others.

A high point in Dyke and Drydens's existence was Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's invitation to a celebration at Number 10 Downing Street as "one of 37 companies whose progress she considered were doing the country proud". This National acclaim earned the company great respect. The company's achievements also earned it the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Business Award' presented at the London Guildhall on October 7, 2005.

Active community life

Wade's s business achievements have been paralleled by an active community life. He serves on the board of the College of North East London, with the Home Office Ethnic Minorities Business Advisory Group, as President of the North London Business Club, member of the Governing Council of Business in the Community, Chairman of the (U.K.) Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, a Director of the Prince Youth Business Trust (East London Region) and Chairman of the Montserrat Volcano Trust & Community Support Trust.

Professional affiliations

Wade's professional affiliations include member of the British Institute of Management and the Institute of Directors. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management. He was also honoured with an MBE in June 1987, citing his contribution to employment.

Wade states that it is his values, dating back to the years under his grandmother's and father's thumb which contributed to his business success. "I was steeped in following the Christian traditions. I was able to determine what was right and what was wrong." The businessman has remained a member for the Methodist church for decades.

In the same way in which he climbed Montserrat's volcanic rocks to get to the sweet mangoes, Wade and his business partners overcame challenges which included a loan roadblock from banks in Britain - collateral or none. The partners used the own meagre saving and loans from family to start the business. His first two books, Wade notes, was the outcome of the suffering that lead to success.

Pressure against black attainment

The businessman feels that pressure against black attainment is greater in Britain than it is in the United states, but that the young in Britain who craves success can now see many models of black achievement to inspire them.

He and his wife have chosen Jamaica as their retirement home. Wade notes, "I have a long association with the island."

His first marriage was to a Jamaican - Daphne Pottinger.

He notes, "Jamaica, in my humble opinion, is one o the most picturesque places in the whole wide world. I am fascinated with its mountains, its tempo its beaches. I have had the good fortune to travel many places all over the world and I am constantly asked which part of Jamaica I am from. People are fascinated by Jamaican culture and music." In St. Ann, Anthony Wade has become a member of the St. Ann. Chamber of Commerce and, in addition to spending many pleasurable hours in his home garden, involves himself in community support.

His Jamaican partners are now deceased, but he says, "I am proud that people are benefiting from what we have done."