WINFA Tribute to David ‘Blue/Black’ Oliver

15.APR.11

Delivered by Ms. Ancelma Morgan-Rose

The WINFA family pays tribute to our colleague, Glenroy David ‘Blue/Black’ Oliver, who passed away on April 4, 2011.

‘Blue’, as he was affectionately known to us, had been one of the longest serving employees of WINFA, giving more than 20 years of dedicated service as the caretaker of our Headquarters in Paul’s Avenue.

During his stewardship, the building was not once burglarized. During his period of employment, he always displayed a strong sense of commitment and dedication to his job. So strong was this commitment that he sometimes found himself at odds with his workmates if he felt that they were not displaying the same level of dedication.

The WINFA HQ became his home, but it was also the place where he engaged in plying his trade, outside his work hours at the Port Authority. Never a dull moment for ‘Blue’, and certainly not an idle one. Whilst he engaged in friendly chat with the brothers on the block, he was busily engaged in carpentry. Outside the building were piles of wooden pallets and damaged wood which he proceeded to turn into such household utilities as stools, dog houses, tables, fowl-houses etc. In addition to this, he performed numerous painting and maintenance jobs for a wide variety of persons. Market and street vendors could always rely on him to build their stalls so that they could ply their trade.

His example of entrepreneurship was one which many other young men and women would do well to emulate. But ‘Blue’ still found time for his sport, his beloved football in particular, and proved to be an equally dedicated family man, spending his spare time with his partner Simone and his precious daughter Damone.

‘Blue’ was a man of few words, but was always respectful to those in authority and his colleagues. His generosity seemed to know no bounds, for he was always willing to share whatever he had and to assist others. He was very trustworthy and reliable, ensuring that he secured anything left in his care. We are all saddened by the passing of our colleague, friend and brother. He will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the WINFA family, we extend our condolences to his family and relatives at the time of their bereavement. Take counsel in the fact that ‘the Lord giveth and he taketh. Blessed be his name’.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE!