Remembering Renwick Rose – A gentle giant sleeps

THE BEAT OF THE DRUMS welcomed the body as the funeral home attendants ushered his coffin into the silence of the Kingstown Methodist Church last Friday, June 19, 2026- and the instrument kept a steady rhythm throughout the more than one hour that former colleagues, friends, and family paid tribute to Renwick Rose who transitioned from this earthly existence on May 27, 2026. Those paying tribute valiantly tried to do justice to the life’s work of Rose, who for many was known as Kamara (teacher). For the role of teacher was a common thread that emerged throughout. He was organiser- selected to mobilise at short notice, the groupings that would be granted the privilege of managing the city’s first public car park, known as the Solidarity Car Park. He was no mean contributor to the editorial team of the newspaper he helped found. He was one who assisted in developing leadership skills in others and then worked alongside them as a mentor.

He was a loyal friend of Cuba and the Cuban people and ensured that a people-to-people connection was made, cemented, and deepened. He sought out training opportunities for others, but never for himself, as he strove to uplift the consciousness and educational possibilities for ordinary people. A good listener whose contribution in various fora was always profound.

He was a beloved brother whose younger siblings looked up to him; a caring uncle who, even in his own illness showed up for his nephew then grieving the death of his own father a year earlier.

To the second generation, he was ‘Buelo’ (grandpa); and a life partner to his beloved Ancelma. A man who learned well the values instilled by loving parents, and lived those values himself.

He one who chafed against injustice and the status quo, but sought to bring about change peacefully. He fought tenaciously for the cause of the working people and the marginalised- and intentionally sought to carve out a role of equality for women within the organisations in which he was involved- leading by a good example. His presence and contributions made a difference in organisations across the region and the globe as he fought for the livelihoods of ordinary workers- farmers.