Rose Bank Development Association marks 38 year milestone

Editor: June 1st marked thirty eight years since the Rose Bank Development Association (ROBDA) came into existence. It came at a time when the quiet and peaceful village of Rose Bank had witnessed a strange occurrence of an attempt at gun violence in the area. This prompted some professionals and other committed residence to start the community group.

Throughout the many years it has seen many developments. Amongst the many projects it embarked on were the Rose Bank Bus shed; distribution of plants to farmers; best village competition; skills training; boat building; just to name a few. We were quite active in Adult Education and we are proud of the many persons who were helped in this area. All of this was done without any financial reward. The Hon. Jerry Scott the then Minister responsible for Community Development spoke at the launching of the group. The first President was Mr. Winsford King. Since then it has had many other Presidents, amongst them was Mr. Oswald Robinson. Other Presidents were: Vivian Crooke, Joslyn Robinson, Clarence Crooke, and yours truly.

Many times we had to run to the rescue when the electricity bill for the Community Centre was disconnected. The group played a part in the building of the community centre. There are many achievements we made, but we had our own challenges. Amongst them was the unceremonious removal of the Sea Moss Project. Sadly, but true, two years were spent in gathering information on how to grow and harvest and make products from the Sea Moss.

Markets were secured, as well as funding. It was then taken away and given to an individual, who knew very little about the Sea Moss.

Politics was not a part of its operation. Members were free to be part of any political party, but we kept politics out of the organisation. As a matter of fact, we were instrumental in bringing the community together after it was divided following the 2010 elections. This was done through cricket. A soft ball village competition was held and it was a joy to see persons from all ages and from different political parties rubbing shoulders and socializing. It attracted even the men who were actively involved in the marijuana cultivation. These men left the ‘hills’ in time and came to play cricket. It really brought the community together.
Since the formation of the group, we never had that criminal experience again. It goes to show how important community togetherness can assist in the reduction of crime. Today, Rose Bank is one of the more peaceful and crime free villages in SVG.

It is so unfortunate that we have lost that community spirit that was in existence in days gone by. We never allowed the group to be any political tool for any party.

I take this opportunity to thank and salute some of our past members and those who continue to make their contribution. Each year we are involved in back- to- school gifts. The contribution for this programme comes from a resident of Rose Bank, who lives in New York, in the person of Miss Greta Alexander. For this, we are much thankful and appreciative.

Yes, it has been a long, hard road. We encountered many challenges, but we take pride in the fact that we made our contribution to the upliftment of the community of Rose Bank. For this we give God thanks, for without His help, we would not have made it.

Kennard King