Tanny Rose: Advocacy For The People – Provocative As The Devil
RAWLSTON POMPEY
Long before transitioning to ‘Glory’ [October 20, 2023], only ‘Heaven’ knows why legendary social commentator ‘Tyrone ‘Edimelo’ Thomas’ (deceased), described him as a ‘Black Rose.’ Such description contrasted nature’s colors of; ‘Red; White; Yellow; and Pink.’ Whether or not a ‘Rose,’ and as color-depicted, ‘James ‘Tanny’ Rose’ 77 by name and nature, shall be remembered in as many ways, as in the many controversies he has created.
DESPISED AND LOVED
Equally as much as he may have been ‘Despised,’ he was greatly ‘Loved.’ There was no doubt, existed in his heart was a special kind of love for his community. Equally as much as he cared for the indigent of society, he loved his family. Self-proclaimed, ‘Voice of the Down-Trodden,’ seemingly, he had lived a life full of intrigues. Whether or not the ‘Heavens’ were to fall, though not necessarily with disdain, he has said the things he truly felt compelled to utter.
SOCIAL CONTRACT
He spoke proudly of his children. However, three individuals, he spoke glowingly of, were; (i) ‘His woman of business and sister; (ii) Tanny Rose junior; and (iii) Societal business student, Ju-Ju.’ For instance, when he was unable so to do, his sister reportedly conducted his business affairs; His son attended to his physiological and technological needs; while the latter assisted in packaging the weekly food bags for distribution to the indigent of the community. This not only speaks to his generosity, but also his commitment to a ‘social contract.
KNUCKLE BLOCKERS
When he found time, he could have been seen with ‘Knuckle Blockers’ in the ‘Grays/Green community. They assisted with their own physiological needs from that which he had voluntarily provided. He had his fill with them. Through radio, he introduced himself as the ‘Voice of the Down-Trodden.’ Then as if the name was too long, he simply reduced it to; ‘The Voice.’ He became the ‘Voice’ of; (a) ‘The struggling grass-root indigent people; (b) Workers in the public and private sectors; and most of all (c) The pensioners.’ People of every stratum society not only gravitated to his name, but were glued to their radios to hear what he had to reveal.
PROVOCATIVE AS THE DEVIL
Though not necessarily libelous or defamatory, not even the ‘Devil’ could get him to back-off from ‘straining relations’ with people he appeared to have had the most cordial relations. The ‘Voice’ was as ‘Provocative as the Devil.’ In some instances, and with some utterances, he may have been provocative and callous, and insensitive, but not necessarily reckless. He gave as much as he took. Even with those was affiliated, he may have invited their wrath for his utterances. In light moments, he would simply say; ‘Sly, me get me ‘kin wash on another radio station last night.’
NEW MILLENIUM
It all started four years into the ‘New Millennium-2001.’ Thus, after national parliamentary elections, likened to the rest of the citizenry, he saw all kinds of happenings. Firstly, the year saw much more than the change of public administration. A new Government took the seat of power from the incumbent with a majority ‘12 parliamentary seats to 4’ [March 23]. The overwhelming majority was further strengthened by the one-seat constituency of Holy Trinity [Barbuda].
VICTIMIZED REDUNDANCY
Himself, a victim of ‘Victimized Redundancy,’ he saw mass lay-off of workers within the public sector. These were officially classified as non-established workers. Even some names on the ‘Government Pay-Rolls,’ were called ‘Ghosts.’ Perhaps, the only people who may have seen these ‘Ghosts’ working, may have been those laid quietly to rest at the ‘St. John’s Public Cemetery (SJPC).’ Those accounted for physically in person and made redundant, he advocated for ‘Redundancy Pay.’
INCENTIVIZED FINANCIAL PACKAGES
There were even ‘Incentivized Financial Packages’ for professionals to quit their established positions. Additionally, he was concerned over widespread victimization against workers or employees in established positions within the ‘Civil Service.’ Those that seemed to have felt the ‘pressure,’ brought some measure of ease for themselves. Those so positioned, found ways in communicating to him. Some reportedly did so anonymously or indirectly. He would reveal that he met a document on hist staircase or under the windshield wiper of his motor vehicle.
DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE
Then humorously, he would give credit to a ‘Dog’ he claimed to have been religiously dutiful, watchful and protective that no intruders entered his premises to remove documents or sealed envelopes. Then on the programme hosted by ‘James Simon, more fondly called ‘Sly J,’ he would reveal the contents to avid fans and keen and anxious listeners. Startlingly, such often reveal ‘Documentary Evidence’ that could neither have been called libelous, nor precariously positioned him to face consequential litigious proceedings.
CIRCUMSPECT: LITIGIOUS CONSEQUENCES
Following litigious proceedings duly instituted by former ‘Education Minister, Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro’ [ANUHCV: 2011/0033],’ against ‘Grenville Radio Limited,’ joining programme host ‘Sly J; Lennox Weston; and himself, the ‘Voice’ became rather ‘Circumspect’ of that which he should utter without being litigiously callous or recklessly irresponsible. Even when the facts represented irrefutable truths, he knew he had to be mindful of ‘Malice.’ This resulted in the establishment of a advisory line in communication. Thus, before media-disclosures, he would utilize the telephone morning, noon and night to share his thoughts and to ensure he was not subjecting himself or the radio station to ‘Litigious Consequences.’
WORSERER – BROAD DOLLAR NOTE – GASTONITE
Be that as it may, seeking to engage the programme host or to prompt him into making a comment, not sure himself, ‘Sly J,’ tight-lipped had found more appropriate to simply respond; ‘Hmmmmmm.’ The ‘Voice’ had created and popularized words such as; (a) ‘Worserer.’ This he used to describe situational gravity; (b) ‘Broad Dollar Note.’ This he used when describing large sums of money, particularly, seen as ‘vexingly extravagant or outrageous spending or over-expenditure. In recent times he came up with ‘Gastonite and Gastonian.’
GASTONITE TO GASTONIAN
He had some concerns about the former word. Quietly, he revealed that this word appeared not to have resonated well with ‘Prime Minister Gaston Browne.’ Conscious of the Prime Minister’s apparent dislike and disapproval, he altered it to ‘Gastonian.’ He remarked; ‘I know you don’t talk politics, but I am a Gastonian; Don’t tell me not to say so.’ Clearly hell-bent in saying what he may have truly felt, no attempt was made to dissuade him. If it was considered insulting or grievously annoying, provocative, libelous or defamatory, he would have been given friendly guidance.
CHRISTMAS FEEDING PROGRAMME
He once confided that a multi-millionaire businessman wanted him not to publicize certain aspects of his operations. He spoke to the business man’s generosity to his ‘Christmas Feeding Programme.’ When suggested that he ‘backed-off,’ he made it sufficiently clear that the ‘contribution only comes once a year; The workers, he said ‘were suffering every day.’ Whatever he may have uttered, and how it may have been delivered, it marked the end of the particular businessman’s seasonal contributions.
FEELINGS OF TRUST
Though described as a ‘Black Rose,’ his deeds reflected the ‘Whiteness’ of the petals of a rose, not found in a garden of Roses. Reflecting upon his own life and time, he was not particularly happy with two members of Cabinet. Seemingly harboring ‘Feelings of Trust,’ than of apprehension of fear, he freely communicated. Without prompting, he explained reasons for feeling discommoded. Even as he has now transitioned to another place, he held no expectations that they shall be disclosed. He said; ‘Though I don’t like some of the things he said, but the Prime Minister has been good to me.’
SOCIAL ACTIVISISM
The family; loved ones and friends; Grays/Green community; and the nation mourns the loss of a patriotic national. Posthumously, he might be recognized for his immeasurable contributions to; (a) ‘Mainstream media: (b) Unionism: (c) Political landscape; and (d) Social Activism’ within the ‘Antiguan and Barbudan’ society. While history shall record whatever may have been his deeds or misdeeds to humanity, posterity shall not only learn, but also be mindful of his challenges and struggles; trials and tribulations; triumphs and defeats; and joyous and glorious moments.
TREACHEROUS LIPS
He was cognizance that should he be transitioned before those that have denied him accrued benefits, they were likely to spew hypocrisy from their ‘Treacherous Lips.’ Disappointingly, he said; ‘I don’t even want to hear them, then.’ Subjected to the indignity of arrest for allegations of fraudulent activities, besmirching his reputation, his innocence prevailed. That which might be said; ‘As it will be interred on his mind, whatever evils may have been perpetrated, or so caused to be perpetrated against him, so they shall be interred with the bones of the perpetrators.
Finally, no secular weapon formed against him, prospered. Condolences to his bereaved family, as they continue to mourn his great loss.
Long live the name- TANNY.’ Long may he be remembered for his unrelenting social activism and kindness to humanity and legacy left.
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