The loss of Pa Robbie — a great man

THE EDITOR: I thoroughly enjoy reading your newspaper each day. Kindly allow me a small spot in which to express myself concerning the murder of someone who touched my life and the lives of so many. He may not have seemed like much to the bandits/murderers who so viciously stabbed Mr Hollis Roberts in his back when he tried to protect one of his employees at Borde-Roberts Drug Stores Ltd, but they soon found out that he was not an easy victim however, because like the Pa Robbie that I knew, he pursued his attackers down the street even as his very life ebbed from him. A mighty man of valour all of his life especially when it came to protecting those he loved and mightier yet as he stared death in the face.

There are so many of us across the USA and in various parts of the world who became his “babies” when he gave us our very first jobs after leaving high school. He was no ordinary employer. His family became our family — Yvonne Borde-Roberts or “Miss Roberts” as she is fondly referred to by all, and their children. There were times when whatever Pa Robbie ate that day, his family and his employees ate also. When he launched his first Carnival band in St James, his family and employees had a part to play, making costumes and playing mas or jumping up in the band.

Our hearts are broken, a part of our lives torn away from us . . . the joy of seeing him when we visit Trinidad was also cut away when that bandit wielded his knife. There was nothing in that drugstore or any of the other branches that he would have denied them if they honestly had a need. He and Miss Roberts gave to many over the years — they gave of their time, their resources and their love to the community. They sacrificed many quality hours with their growing children in order to provide quality care to thousands of people over the years.

In an emergency so many would go to El Socorro Pharmacy because when every other drugstore was closed for the night Pa Robbie and Miss Roberts would still be there and have the necessary medication or item in stock. You must understand — when my Pa Robbie aka Hollis Roberts was murdered, his wife and children, his employees spanning over 40 years, his current employees, friends, relatives, business associates, the El Socorro, Aranjuez, San Juan communities . . . in fact most of Trinidad and Tobago lost a great man and a part of us was buried with him. Our prayers continue for Mrs Roberts and the family. I leave the bandits/murderers with this prayer: that which you have sown, you shall also reap. . .

REV DONNA BATSON-MODESTE
New York