‘Bolo’ was an inspiration to all of Chateaubelair

Bertram Stapleton may have meant different things to different people, but to the Chateaubelair community he was simply “Bolo” – a homeboy who triumphed over poverty and adversity to inspire all generations throughout the community.{{more}}

To the older folk he was Annette’s “dead left boy” who was always jovial and troublesome and came back a big lawyer, but never forgot where he came from. To his peers, “Bolo” was a class clown who despite his circumstances never lost his drive, hope and ambition to succeed.

To the youths, “Bolo” was a hero, who always found time to talk to them. He would inspire and encourage the youngsters and give them good tongue lashings and scoldings when they deserve them. One youngster told SEARCHLIGHT that Stapleton was the best thing that came out of Chateaubelair, while his friend added “Right now me feel fo jus go out dey an murder somebody”.

Many spoke of Stapleton’s kindness and the fact that he would do work for less than the full fee or for free. When Stapleton spoke at the graduation ceremony of the Petit Bordel Secondary School on July 1st, many came to understand the man and his dreams and aspirations for the community. As one resident said, “Bolo inspired all of us, he was the hope of Chateaubelair.(AC)