 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Overview
The British Commonwealth Society of Puerto Rico (BCS) is a society loosely associated
with the British Commonwealth of Nations, but welcoming all-comers. Once a month or
so, we get together for a party in a member's home or in a restaurant to just have a
good time and swap tales of living on the "Isla de Encanto". Where's good to go,
where's good to eat, what's fun to do and where are the best shops and services. All
that, and how to survive the daily challenges that life in Puerto Rico can offer! Plus you
get to eat great food and partake of a few drinks with some terrific folks!
So come join us and make life in Puerto Rico just that little bit more exciting.
The British Commonwealth Society of Puerto Rico (BCS) is a society loosely associated
with the British Commonwealth of Nations, but welcoming all-comers. Once a month or
so, we get together for a party in a member's home or in a restaurant to just have a
good time and swap tales of living on the "Isla de Encanto". Where's good to go,
where's good to eat, what's fun to do and where are the best shops and services. All
that, and how to survive the daily challenges that life in Puerto Rico can offer! Plus you
get to eat great food and partake of a few drinks with some terrific folks!
So come join us and make life in Puerto Rico just that little bit more exciting.
About the BCS:
History
During the late 1950’s, there was a considerably larger percentage of expatriates living
in Puerto Rico as a proportion of the total population of less than three million; with by
the way, only about half a million cars, so it was not so hard to find parking!. This
community was reinforced by a larger than present American community, all as a result
of ‘Operation Bootstrap’; the program created to help the industrialization of the island
and its economy.
Dennis and Jean Hastwell, a couple of British expatriates, found themselves on the
shores of sunny Puerto Rico. They enjoyed entertaining from their ground floor
apartment, located on Calle Barranquitas in the Condado. These type of events
manifested in the monthly gatherings in the homes of other British and Commonwealth
friends and their invited guests. As these parties became more frequent and a greater
number of people wanted to participate, it was suggested to create an organization.
In other parts of the world, groups of British expatriates have created similar
organizations often known as the “Commonwealth Society”. This name has its own
political implications due to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s status. In 1960 the
organization was founded with the name “The British Commonwealth Society of Puerto
Rico” that became known locally as the “BCS”.
The aims of the Society were, to provide a means whereby the members of the British
Commonwealth community, could meet every month to be able to interact and carry on
some of their own cultural customs, as well as being able to foster a good relationship
with the local community.
At that time there was a British Consulate, staffed with career Foreign Service Officers
including a Consul and Vice-Consul, who helped encourage patronage of the Society
to all Commonwealth citizens residing on, or visiting the island.
Until August of 1973, the U.S. Navy’s Admiral Headquarters and center for the
combined U.S. and Commonwealth Naval Operations, was located on the land where
the new Convention Center now stands and was previously the location of Obras
Publicas and the Motor Vehicle Department. In the spring, the Joint Commands
organized a large naval exercise known as ‘Operation Springboard’, that often included
a Canadian aircraft carrier, a number of destroyers and a repair ship.
It was customary as operational schedules allowed, for visiting Commonwealth Navy
Ships to host receptions on-board when making a port visit. The invited guests
included prominent members of the local community, as well as the members of ‘The
British Commonwealth Society of Puerto Rico’. The BCS members looked forward to
these events, as an opportunity to enjoy a real ‘British Pint of Beer/Ale’.
As a way of reciprocating the hospitality tendered by these ships, the BCS would invite
the Ward Room to attend private dinners at the homes of BCS members. The Society
would also on many occasions host a Beach Party (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Beer and
Sun-burn) for the benefit of the Ships Ratings (thereby creating the need for the
“Sailors Fund”). Theses events where always a great success and these memorizes
were treasured by all that participated. Puerto Rico became well-known by the
Commonwealth Navies; especially the Royal Navy, as one of their favorite ports-of-call,
as a result of the personal hospitality shown by BCS Members.
Occasionally a friendly game of Cricket would be organized between the BCS and
visiting Navy Officers. There was even a ladies Cricket Team in the past!
The Society has gone through a number of changes over the past forty plus years of
its existence. More on this at a later date Gentle Readers!
During the late 1950’s, there was a considerably larger percentage of expatriates living
in Puerto Rico as a proportion of the total population of less than three million; with by
the way, only about half a million cars, so it was not so hard to find parking!. This
community was reinforced by a larger than present American community, all as a result
of ‘Operation Bootstrap’; the program created to help the industrialization of the island
and its economy.
Dennis and Jean Hastwell, a couple of British expatriates, found themselves on the
shores of sunny Puerto Rico. They enjoyed entertaining from their ground floor
apartment, located on Calle Barranquitas in the Condado. These type of events
manifested in the monthly gatherings in the homes of other British and Commonwealth
friends and their invited guests. As these parties became more frequent and a greater
number of people wanted to participate, it was suggested to create an organization.
In other parts of the world, groups of British expatriates have created similar
organizations often known as the “Commonwealth Society”. This name has its own
political implications due to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s status. In 1960 the
organization was founded with the name “The British Commonwealth Society of Puerto
Rico” that became known locally as the “BCS”.
The aims of the Society were, to provide a means whereby the members of the British
Commonwealth community, could meet every month to be able to interact and carry on
some of their own cultural customs, as well as being able to foster a good relationship
with the local community.
At that time there was a British Consulate, staffed with career Foreign Service Officers
including a Consul and Vice-Consul, who helped encourage patronage of the Society
to all Commonwealth citizens residing on, or visiting the island.
Until August of 1973, the U.S. Navy’s Admiral Headquarters and center for the
combined U.S. and Commonwealth Naval Operations, was located on the land where
the new Convention Center now stands and was previously the location of Obras
Publicas and the Motor Vehicle Department. In the spring, the Joint Commands
organized a large naval exercise known as ‘Operation Springboard’, that often included
a Canadian aircraft carrier, a number of destroyers and a repair ship.
It was customary as operational schedules allowed, for visiting Commonwealth Navy
Ships to host receptions on-board when making a port visit. The invited guests
included prominent members of the local community, as well as the members of ‘The
British Commonwealth Society of Puerto Rico’. The BCS members looked forward to
these events, as an opportunity to enjoy a real ‘British Pint of Beer/Ale’.
As a way of reciprocating the hospitality tendered by these ships, the BCS would invite
the Ward Room to attend private dinners at the homes of BCS members. The Society
would also on many occasions host a Beach Party (Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Beer and
Sun-burn) for the benefit of the Ships Ratings (thereby creating the need for the
“Sailors Fund”). Theses events where always a great success and these memorizes
were treasured by all that participated. Puerto Rico became well-known by the
Commonwealth Navies; especially the Royal Navy, as one of their favorite ports-of-call,
as a result of the personal hospitality shown by BCS Members.
Occasionally a friendly game of Cricket would be organized between the BCS and
visiting Navy Officers. There was even a ladies Cricket Team in the past!
The Society has gone through a number of changes over the past forty plus years of
its existence. More on this at a later date Gentle Readers!
British occupancy of Puerto Rico
On November 22, 1595, Sir Francis Drake, with 27 vessels and 2,500 troops, sailed
into San Juan Bay in an attempt to loot the city. Even though San Juan was set ablaze,
they were unable to defeat the entrenched forces in the forts. With the knowledge of
Drake's failure to overtake the defenses of the city by sea, on June 15, 1598, the
British Navy led by George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland, landed troops from 21 ships
to the east in Santurce. Spanish resistance was met while Clifford and his men were
attempting to cross the San Antonio bridge (from an area known today as Condado)
into the islet of San Juan. Nonetheless, the British conquered the island and held it for
several months. They were forced to abandon the island owing to an outbreak of
dysentery among the troops. The following year Spain sent soldiers, cannons and a
new governor, Alonso de Mercado, to rebuild the city of San Juan.
The 17th century and 18th centuries saw more attacks on the island of Puerto Rico.
On September 25, 1625, the Dutch attacked San Juan under the leadership of
Boudewijn Hendrick (Balduino Enrico), besieging Fort San Felipe del Morro and La
Fortaleza. Residents fled the city and the Spanish, led by Governor Juan de Haro were
able to repel the Dutch troops from Fort San Felipe del Morro. In their retreat the
Dutch set the city ablaze. Meanwhile, the fortification of San Juan continued. In 1634,
Philip IV of Spain fortified Fort San Cristóbal, along with six fortresses linked by a line
of sandstone walls surrounding the city. In 1702, the English assaulted the town of
Arecibo, located on the north coast, west of San Juan, with no success. In 1797, the
French and Spanish declared war on the United Kingdom. The British attempted again
to conquer the island, attacking San Juan with an invasion force of 7,000 troops and
an armada consisting of 64 warships under the command of General Ralph
Abercromby. Captain General Don Ramón de Castro and his army successfully
resisted the attack.
On November 22, 1595, Sir Francis Drake, with 27 vessels and 2,500 troops, sailed
into San Juan Bay in an attempt to loot the city. Even though San Juan was set ablaze,
they were unable to defeat the entrenched forces in the forts. With the knowledge of
Drake's failure to overtake the defenses of the city by sea, on June 15, 1598, the
British Navy led by George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland, landed troops from 21 ships
to the east in Santurce. Spanish resistance was met while Clifford and his men were
attempting to cross the San Antonio bridge (from an area known today as Condado)
into the islet of San Juan. Nonetheless, the British conquered the island and held it for
several months. They were forced to abandon the island owing to an outbreak of
dysentery among the troops. The following year Spain sent soldiers, cannons and a
new governor, Alonso de Mercado, to rebuild the city of San Juan.
The 17th century and 18th centuries saw more attacks on the island of Puerto Rico.
On September 25, 1625, the Dutch attacked San Juan under the leadership of
Boudewijn Hendrick (Balduino Enrico), besieging Fort San Felipe del Morro and La
Fortaleza. Residents fled the city and the Spanish, led by Governor Juan de Haro were
able to repel the Dutch troops from Fort San Felipe del Morro. In their retreat the
Dutch set the city ablaze. Meanwhile, the fortification of San Juan continued. In 1634,
Philip IV of Spain fortified Fort San Cristóbal, along with six fortresses linked by a line
of sandstone walls surrounding the city. In 1702, the English assaulted the town of
Arecibo, located on the north coast, west of San Juan, with no success. In 1797, the
French and Spanish declared war on the United Kingdom. The British attempted again
to conquer the island, attacking San Juan with an invasion force of 7,000 troops and
an armada consisting of 64 warships under the command of General Ralph
Abercromby. Captain General Don Ramón de Castro and his army successfully
resisted the attack.
| Sir Francis Drake, English privateer that, in 1595, mounted an unsuccessful attack on San Juan. |
| Puerto Rico Coat of Arms |
Objectives of the Society
The promotion of friendship and fellowship between members of the Society, British
Commonwealth visitors to the Island and the people of Puerto Rico.
The promotion of friendship and fellowship between members of the Society, British
Commonwealth visitors to the Island and the people of Puerto Rico.
| British Commonwealth Society of Puerto Rico |
Est. 1960