Bailey’s Bay strong
Some 30-plus years ago, I had to pass a few tests when I was introduced to two strong Bailey’s Bay women. Both of whom were taller than me.
Even before I got to sit down, I was asked some pertinent questions.
Mother: “So, where are you from, young man?”
Me: “Pond Hill and Devonshire.”
Grandmother: “Who are your people?”
Me: “The Brown, Charles and Famous families.”
Grandmother: “So, which church did you grow up in?”
Me: “St Paul AME Church.”
Mother: “Final question, who do you support for Cup Match?”
Me: “St George’s, of course!”
Mother: “Oh, OK, because we already ran a check on you. Had you said Somerset, you would be out the door.”
You see, that is the hallmark of what it meant when you were attempting to court a lady of the Gibbons clan. Again, for clarity, that would be the Bailey’s Bay Gibbons clan.
They are, rightfully, overly protective of their family members. I had the fortune of being grilled by Delmar Gibbons and her daughter, Florette Gibbons.
For the 5 per cent of the island who did not know her or know of her, Nana Florette lived and breathed unconditional love:
• Love of siblings Noel, David and Alice Gibbons
• Love of her husband, Caldric Nash
• Love of her children
• Love of her grandchildren
• Love of her community, from Shelly Bay to Bailey’s Bay
• Love of her church, St John’s AME
• Love of her national team. She always was the loudest cheerleader up at the National Stadium whenever her grandson, Kacy Milan Butterfield, played for Bermuda
She used to constantly teach and preach unconditional love. Without a doubt that is why there were literally hundreds of persons gathered outside of Augustus Funeral Home to pay their last respects to their diva.
That is why hundreds of people braved the heat to attend her service at Sea Breeze Oval.
Her ethics have been passed on to her three daughters, Shelita Gibbons, Tawana Gibbons-Butterfield and Greshona Gibbons.
Her swagger has been passed on to her grandchildren, my daughter Kristin Gibbons, my son Kristopher Jr, and their cousins, Kacy Milan Butterfield, Salair Gibbons, and her great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to cousin Beverley Marshall, for being with our loving Nana Florette Valijean Dianne Nash on her last stroll down the catwalk.
• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com
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