VETERAN band leader Gwyneth Squires broke down in tears yesterday at the news of the passing of fellow band designer Renee Ratcliffe.
Squires sobbed while waiting her band’s turn to parade at the National Stadium.
“Renee called me this morning for breakfast and we had breakfast together. I can’t believe she is dead,” she told the DAILY NATION.
Despite the big difference in age between the two, Squires said they built a great friendship.
“We were very close friends for all the years. We were competitors, but very good friends. If I ran out of braid or anything for my costumes I could call Renee, and she did not let me come to collect it, she would bring it.”
“I will try to hold myself together until the band goes on (stage to parade) and then I know I will fall to pieces” Squires said amidst tears.
Another stalwart, Betty West, said she was “very sad” by Ratcliffe’s passing. “She was so young, but she did a lot for this cultural event, and I extend condolences to her family” West added.
Extending sympathy to Ratcliffe’s relatives, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner hailed Ratcliffe’s contribution to Kadooment. Sandiford- Garner who was one of the revellers on the road yesterday, said she too was “saddened” at the news of the band designer’s passing as well as that of the young man reported missing while on a pleasure cruise.
Opposition Leader Mia Mottley issued a brief statement shortly after the news of Ratcliffe’s passing.
“Only this morning I watched Renee Sheppard Ratcliffe on CBC TV in her element and giving testimony. Renee, this was your ‘last mas’ and you graced it well with your passion and creativity for which you will always be remembered. A true true Bajan woman who lived giving her all always,” she said.
The said news was relayed to the chairman of the National Cultural Foundation, Maureen Graham, as she sat with King and Queen of the Crop, Grantley Hurley and Judy Cumberbatch, and United States Ambassador Linda Taglialatela.
“I am so sorry. This has really been a shock and I extend condolences to her family,” said Graham.
It was also devastating to Chetwin Stewart, another veteran at producing Kadooment bands who expressed sadness on hearing of Ratcliffe’s death. (GC)
