MY FAITHFUL AND ALWAYS LOYAL FRIEND ELVA…

and I met in September 1964 at The Nassau Technical Institute, we became instant friends and that was the beginning of nearly a sixty-year inseparable friendship. We lived less than a mile apart but that was our first meeting. Walking home that first day, as we got to the junction of East Street and Wulff Road, I continued walking eastward, she said to me in that I’m in charge tone.., “well where are you going?” I answered “home,” She said, “ don’t you live over the wall?” I said, “yes I do”... “So why are you going that way? I told her I was afraid of the guys who hung out at the Milk Stand on East Street, she said to me “You’re with me, they can’t do anything to you anything!” That’s the day I knew I had an older sister who I could always depend on to have my back! That day we walked home together and every day thereafter.

The Wee Hours When You Are Awakened To About Six Missed Calls... you sort of know what follows.

My sister, my friend Elva Rolle has gone home to be with her saviour. Elva I thank you for being my sounding board, my confidant, my encourager and me one of your google guides and your personal “contact” and address book. For all of the advice given; I receive with thanks.

As I reminisce on our friendship, I’m listening to one particular voice note that had both of us on the floor hollering! You were indeed an excellent member of the human race. A pioneering Bahamian female broadcaster, you were humorous, you were fair, no nonsense, a lover of people, appreciative and loving to family and friends. Your grandchildren were the apple of your eyes. You were a Bahamian woman par excellence who loved your God, your church and our country, especially the settlement of Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama.

My condolences to Boozie, Tracee, Gemma and Andrew along with your grandchildren, your siblings, Ethelyn, Ormond, Garry and Patrenda and the entire Russell and Grant clan.

I salute this PHENOMENAL BAHAMIAN WOMAN, Elva Rolle.

I Bid You Goodnight.

Love, Debbie Mott-Strachan