Rose Bank Development Association marks 25 years

Fri, May 4. 2012

Editor: Before I go any further, I take this opportunity to wish our Prime Minister a speedy recovery from his illness and wish him all the best.

As the Rose Bank Development Association (ROBDA) celebrates twenty-five years of existence, there are many achievements and challenges it encountered during its existence. As a follow up to the last article, some achievements and challenges would be highlighted.{{more}}

The motto of ROBDA is: “WE PARTICIPATE TO CONSOLIDATE AND EDUCATE TO ERADICATE.” In keeping with its theme, they were involved in education at various levels, including, as was mentioned in the last article, adult education. Plans are in place to restart adult education since for some years it was dormant, due to the fact that adult education was organized by government, through its education revolution programmed. Rose Bank was neglected in this area. Many benefitted from garment making projects, boat building projects, farming done as a skills training project.

ROBDA was responsible for bringing pipe borne water to Rose Bank. They had already sought and got donation of pipes to give villagers pipe borne water. This project was however not completed since the pipe was left stored, waiting upon the CWSA and the government of the day to run these pipes into the homes that needed the water. This project was later done and sadly, but true, the government and the representative of that day got the credit and no one recognized the effort made by ROBDA to get these pipes and the delay in implementing the project by the CWSA.

The Rose Bank Community centre, which was made a political tool and continues to be used as such, was poorly managed since several individuals ran the centre as their property. However, fortunately although briefly, ROBDA then took over the operation of the centre during which it was properly managed. As a result, the bills were paid and monies were raised through fund raising ventures for the upkeep of the centre. Sadly, but true, ROBDA was removed from the management of the centre and to this day, it remains in a poor condition, although government would spend some monies in repairing the building. Plans are in place to renovate the community centre. It must be made clear that ROBDA made recommendations concerning how it ought to be structured and has also been promised an office in the community centre. This promise ROBDA hopes to see fulfilled.

As recently as Saturday, April 7, ROBDA held an EASTER Road relay and raffle at Rose Bank. This event started well, but ended on a sour note since the village was invaded by scores of policemen from different units. The policemen ordered the closure of the activity. It was sad that such a peaceful legal event should be disrupted.

Thanks must be given to the former representative, Dr Jerrol Thompson, for his quick intervention having been informed of the situation. He was able to call various persons with responsibility for security to verify the situation. As a result, a situation that could have turned chaotic, since the villagers were not willing to allow the police to close the event down, was averted. This situation could hamper the ULP’s chances of winning in Rose Bank, the only village in North Leeward where ULP has increased its votes since 2001. The unfortunate thing is that the police were given false information and sent to the scene wrongly informed. Of course, investigations would reveal the source of the misinformation. More would be written on this incident.

Despite all the challenges, they continued to soldier on and will continue to do so. The Christians in that group consider it as part of their Christian duty with love for their fellowmen to give unselfish service to the community and see the development of the community.

As they embark on various activities, the support of the public is of paramount importance. Let us keep them in our prayers and give them our moral support. Of course, they are open to receive support of any kind.

Kennard King