Chateaubelair bids farewell to ‘Bolo’

It was without a doubt one of the largest gatherings ever in Chateaubelair on Wednesday, July 30th, when thousands came out to pay final respects to slain lawyer Bertram “Bolo” Stapleton.{{more}}

Stapleton, who hailed from Chateaubelair, was shot to death on the second floor of the Hinds Building while on his way to his third floor office around 9:00am on Wednesday, July 23rd.

The service for Stapleton, whom many viewed as the “Hope of Chateaubelair”, was held at the New Testament Church of God in Sharpes Village, simply because it has more open space than any other building in the area.

When the body arrived at 12:00 noon, many were already waiting at the Church. As the news spread, villagers began arriving in droves, some bawling, while others offered comfort, with others expressing outrage.

The service, which began at 3:00pm, was conducted by Pastor Carlton Edwards, with Pastor Steven Ollivierre delivering the homily.

Anesta Rodney, Stapleton’s principal when he attended the Petit Bordel Secondary School, paid tribute, along with Alonzo Michael, with whom Stapleton grew up. Tribute was also paid by area representative Dr Jerrol Thompson. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves also spoke, telling the audience that he admired Stapleton, who was his friend, and he was deeply saddened by this death.



Celeste, Stapleton’s eldest sister, and her daughter Janal paid tribute in song. Celeste said that if the person who killed her brother knew him, he would never have killed him, while her daughter implored those present to carry on the works that her uncle Bolo started, “Our family will continue to rise”, she further stated.

Leading the tribute on behalf of his colleagues in the legal fraternity was Parnell Campbell, QC, who said it was paradoxical that if the killer were caught, he would have to be defended by a member of the legal fraternity, even though he is charged with killing a fellow member. “It’s the nature of the law”, he said. The legal contingent, over 20 strong, including Prime Minister Gonsalves, then sang a hymn in tribute.

In delivering the eulogy, an animated policeman Sergeant Wayne Grant described Stapleton as a friend and brother. He recalled their struggles and triumphs growing up together. “Of the four of us, Alanzo “Jupi” Michael, Alva “Honkey” Simmons and myself, Bolo was the leader,” he said.

Grant said that Stapleton always encouraged him to study law and that they had planned that when Stapleton became Prime Minister, Grant would be the Commissioner of Police. Holding up a framed clipping from SEARCHLIGHT newspaper with the story of Stapleton’s murder, he proclaimed, “I will get my law degree”.



Throughout the proceedings, Stapleton’s widow Teona sat in quiet dignity alternately holding her children and accepting condolences; she did not address the service.

The building was packed to capacity, with many standing in the isles and verandah; also, the service was relayed to the packed first floor by a large screen projector. There were also hundreds gathered outside the church building, while many more were assembled at the Sharpes Park and various rum-shops in the area.

When the service ended after 5pm, the procession began the long trek to the Fitzhughes Cemetery, with the Rose Bank folk band playing upbeat funeral marches like ‘When the roll is called up-yonder’, and ‘I fly away’, among others.

When the procession reached the Sharpes Park in the area of the Almond tree under which Stapleton used to play dominoes, the casket was taken out of the hearse and men and some women began jostling for a chance to bear the casket on their shoulders in military fashion.

At Blue Waters club, owned by Joel “Ras Natty” Francois, on the Chateaubelair waterfront, chairs were placed under the casket and the disjointed procession spent a full minute as it was Stapleton’s favourite hang-out whenever he was in Chateaubelair.

The graveside service erupted into full-scale bawling as the casket was lowered into the ground in an overwhelming outpouring of grief for Chateaubelair’s favourite son.