THIS WEEK, I read with the same shock Max Millar read my article a few weeks’ ago, alleged comments from veteran bandleaders and two women I admire, Gwyneth Squires and Betty West.
I fully intended to write my thoughts on the reported comments until I had a brief conversation with a group of people on the life of Renee Ratcliffe. This took this week’s column in a different direction.
Rest assured, God willing I shall return to that issue in the very near future.
Hearing the news of Renee’s death was extremely saddening. I immediately got goosebumps when we were told of her passing whilst we waited for our camera crew by Combermere. Renee died doing what she loved and fulfilling her passion. In my opinion that is a blessing and a testimony of the life she lived.
I was not close to Renee, neither did I know her well.
We exchanged pleasantries in Abed’s when we saw each other in previous summers. This year, she did reach out to me to cover her band launch for the television show. Unfortunately, I was overseas and unable to do so.
I spoke to friends of hers and her peers. Two qualities which were highlighted in all of the conversations about Renee were that she would “always tell it like it is” and she was “passionate beyond belief”.
Many have mentioned her comments about her sons in her final interview with Cassandra on CBC at the Stadium for Kadooment. Those little boys will forever know that their mother loved them.
When we returned home my grandmother was in the verandah looking very pensive awaiting our return. She asked if we heard about Renee’s death. My response: “Life is fleeting.”
Again, I did not know Renee well but her life has inspired me to add a little more vigour in the pursuit of my goals. This week, many issues I have been procrastinating on have now been put into to action. We are here today and gone tomorrow. We should be spending life doing those things which make us happy and full of soul. What if we were to leave this earth tomorrow? Would we have left doing what we enjoy or being with the person who our hearts truly belong to? All these questions I asked myself on Monday night.
Thank you, Renee. Your contribution to Barbados will never go unnoticed. Perhaps, we can name some type of award or segment during Grand or Kiddies Kadooment after Ms Ratcliffe. Given her wonderful contribution and the significance of the day, I think the least we could do is allow her legacy to live on during the festival.
Personally, I would like to thank you for inspiring so many of us to, now more than ever, live at a level and in a manner that we envision as the best for ourselves. I can only imagine the costumes you will now create in Heaven. Rest easy ma’am. God bless you.
Toni Thorne is a young entrepreneur and World Economic Forum Global Shaper who loves global youth culture, a great debate and living in paradise. Email: Tonithorne@hotmail.com