REGINALD ROLLE

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REGINALD ROLLE

Name: Alma Darroux
Email: thatcoolwriter@yahoo.com
Date: 26 Aug 2003
Time: 19:34:31
Remote Name: 67.28.117.120

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"Reggie," as Reginald Rolle was often referred to was a stalwart in Dominican Society; he was resolute in his convictions. Throughout the length and breadth of Dominica, many would have their own opinions concerning the man, Reggie; “he was very loving and affectionate,” said one, “he was too egotistical” said another, “he was too aggressive,” said yet another. Regardless of one’s personal opinion of Reggie, no one could deny the fact that he had made disability awareness a factor in this country.

Reggie made sure that everyone heard him and saw him; whenever he would be wheeled on the streets by his wife in his wheelchair all could view the proud manner in which he presented himself. He was never ashamed of his challenge. He was determined not to be left on the sidelines while others made decisions for him; no, he had to be in the spotlight and let his point of view be known far and wide. He was a seasoned traveler, and many in the Caribbean Region, especially in the French Islands and also in some parts of the International World recognized the name, Reginald Rolle. I remember three years ago when I attended a conference on Intellectual (Mental) Challenges in Barbados, hosted by CAMROOD, I met a woman with a physical challenge from Jamaica. When she found out I was Dominican she asked if I knew Reginald Rolle. She told me that she admired his strength and fortitude in going about the business of ensuring that others knew about those with challenges and disabilities. Before he died he had already made his stamp on society.

Reggie had an in your face manner in approaching decision-makers and many who came across him. He went about his work differently than I would or others would but no one can deny the fact that before he died, Reggie was successful in having an Independent Centre erected for persons with challenges and disabilities. I remember attending a Workshop there last year in February. I could clearly see how accomplished he felt at this achievement. He was beside himself! Reggie and I had many conflicting moments because we would approach things in vastly different ways. But one thing we had in common was letting the public know that having a challenge was not the end of the world that one could have a challenge and still achieve success in life, that though having a challenge meant facing seemingly unrelenting obstacles, still obstacles could be trampled down. For there is no stopping the human spirit when it is set to win! The one who has that winning stance realizes early on that there will be falls along the way but what matters is arising in stupendous splendour as opposed to wallowing in self pity.

I remember at the Workshop I attended at Reggie’s Independent Centre, sitting down and speaking with Reggie as never before. We spoke on many matters including Christianity of which he held dubious views. From my point of view it seemed that Reggie missed the fact that complete success required the inclusion of God in all matters. However, one of the things he shared with me which stuck in my mind made me understand him a little better. From this one story he related, I realized why Reggie was who he was.

Reggie related that he was born able-bodied but due to an accident as a child he acquired his challenge. He went on to relate that as a child, although there was nothing wrong with his brain, the schools would not accept him because of his challenge. He told me that he would go to the school in his neighborhood every day and look at the children going to and fro to their classes and playing in the playground. He did this constantly until the teachers had no choice but to admit him into the classroom. And that was how Reggie began gaining an education. He realized early on that to succeed in life he needed to be persistent. And so I realized that in his persistence he had erected this wall around him – this defense mechanism, which had turned into an attitude, which many did not understand. So maybe, just maybe others will recognize this now as I did last year. Sometimes, we have to learn about people and their backgrounds to understand what has shaped their characters, be it good or bad. There are some who feel that they need to shout to be heard while others will silently voice their concerns. Reggie felt he had to shout – that was the step he had taken, and this is what I feel that most people will remember him for. Reggie’s Independent Centre now stands as a monument to the man who proclaimed himself, “the William Wilberforce of the movement for people with challenges and disabilities”.

To all persons with challenges and disabilities, I say, let the Cause continue – do not allow it to die. Let us all support Reggie’s wife, Nathalie and together, let us continue to work for the improvement of the lives of persons with challenges and disabilities in Dominica. Let us each play our part in making a contribution for a brighter tomorrow.

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Name: sfenhiiu
Email: knyujx@dnbebb.com
Date: 27 Jun 2008
Time: 10:55:27
Remote Name: 91.135.112.106

REGINALD ROLLE

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Last changed: June 27, 2008

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