Rose Bank, a village of historical importance should be given some recognition

Editor: Rose Bank, a small community is a historical village. It is a fishing Village. It has produced persons of all professions and areas of service, except politicians.

As a fishing village, we don’t hear of Rose Bank being associated with Black Fish, but in the early days up to the early 90’s Black fish used to be caught in Rose Bank. Among the many early fishers in this field was Mr. Leslie Hooper and later on his son, Byron Hooper. Of course there were others who were associated with him as fishermen. Boat building was done in Rose Bank and continued into the early 2000. Mr. Berkley Delpesche was amongst the last sets of persons to build boats. Rose Bank had some of the best drummers in this country. The Rose Bank Drummers [were] amongst the first to play at funerals. Junior Delpesche was widely known for his steel pan and is amongst the best we have here in SVG. Drums were also made in Rose Bank.

Little is heard about Garifuana in Rose Bank., but we had a Carib Chief by the name of Jim Roberts. The playing field that we once had came through the effort of Jim Roberts. At one time, there was a large Indian population in Rose Bank. Some would estimate the percentage to approximately 40%. This figure is an estimation and can be debated. However, it is a known fact that many Indians settled in Rose Bank. Petit Bordel was once an estate where hardly anyone lived. However, most of the families in Petit Bordel originated from Rose Bank. After the establishment of Petit Bordel many families left Rose Bank and settled in Petit Bordel. So the surnames, Matthews, Delpesche, and Louie just to name a few, were originally from Rose Bank.

Roses Crew originated from Rose Bank. The Rose Bank Development Association (ROBDA) is amongst the oldest community groups in SVG. The late Daymon Edwards was considered one of the best ‘ nointers in SVG. When ever persons had ‘pound’ and other small injuries, he would ‘noint them and more often than not, they would be relieved of the pain and the swelling. Mable Hooper was also considered amongst the best midwives in SVG at that time.

Rose Bank is one the most talented villages where many persons are just good at Culture. Amongst the many cultur[al expressions] was the Maypole dancing, a dance that is hardly known. It is a very peaceful village where crimes are hardly committed, and very few persons coming out of Rose Bank had serve time in prison. For many years, Rose Bank was the model for lighting up at Christmas time. Rose Bank is rich in historical importance, but sadly, it has never been recognized. Up to today [it] remains a village where very little historical importance and recognition is given. Many historians who have written about the Indians and Garifuna and other historical things have omitted Rose Bank.

Amongst the early eye specialists was Dr. Junior Bacchus from Rose Bank. During his time, and up to the early 2000’s North Leeward had only produced three medical doctors in the persons of Dr. Garraway from Rose Hall, Dr. Thompson from Chateaubelair, and our own Dr. Bacchus from right here in Rose Bank. So quite early, Rose Bank had produced a doctor of immense quality.

I am requesting that there be a Jim Roberts square establish and a Daymon Edwards Road as a memorial of their contribution.

More would be written in the future about Rose Bank and its historical importance.

Kennard King