Barbados is mourning the passing of one of its favourite local designers.
Roland ‘Rojoe’ Bascombe died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Tuesday night, after a brief illness.
Bascombe, 54, the father of three sons, was as colourful and charismatic as his designs, making a name for himself over a 30-year career that saw him design outfits for some of Barbados’ entertainers as well as the ordinary man just wanting to be a hit at a party or banquet.
His younger brother, David Davis, confirmed the death earlier today, revealing Rojoe had been placed in an induced coma by doctors after a brief period of feeling unwell last weekend.
Rojoe, a self-taught tailor and designer, became famous for his outfits, many of which he wore to local shows and events.
Also today, tributes started to pour in on social media platforms in Barbados, with many of Rojoe’s friends and customers posting photographs of the always smiling Bascombe wearing some of his outfits.
Rojoe originally came from East Point, St Philip and the family later relocated to Wotton, Christ Church. In earlier times, he represented Clarkes Hill and Wotton football teams in Barbados Football Association Competitions and was an outstanding striker for the latter, adept with both feet. (BA)
