There is no mention of Inspector of Police, Major Rodriguez “Roddy” Watler, in the official history book of the Cayman Islands commissioned by the Cayman Islands Government even with a large amount of input from the Cayman Islands National Archives. His name was not mentioned in Radio Cayman’s “Unsung Heroes” programme.

There are numerous photographs of one of Cayman’s most decorated heroes in many Cayman publications and even in our National Archives. There are many printed references to him from many of our mature Caymanians. His name is often mentioned. The winner recently of the title George Town Miss Festival Queen, Mellisa Rankin, at the competition talked about Major Watler in this way, “tall and stern looking quite military in his uniform. He had a special heart for children .. did his work with pride and was always ready to protect and serve his country. He was beloved by his people.”

Rodriguez “Roddy” Watler was born on 3 March, 1880, in Red Bay and passed away in April 1965 at the age of 85. He served as Inspector of Police for nearly thirty–three years, and was also Lighthouse Keeper, Foreman of Public Works, Boarding Officer of Vessels, and Warehouse Keeper. In 1942, he was appointed Officer in Charge of the Cayman Islands Company of the Jamaican Home Guard, a post he held until 1945 when the war ceased. In the 1932 hurricane he exhibited bravery in rescuing people who were marooned in Red Bay, and for this service he was awarded the King Edward VII Police Medal for Bravery. He was decorated with six other medals. He was given the title of “Major” by Sir Hugh Foot.

So why has the government of a country he served so many years  forgotten this distinguished man? In the RCIPS headquarters, there is nothing to commemorate him. It was as though he never existed.

The publisher of iNews Cayman, Roddy Watler’s youngest daughter – Joan Wilson, asked this very question and finally the answer has come back. Well, not really an answer as to why he has been left out, but it has prompted the Cayman Islands Post Office to issue a special commemorative stamp in his honour. A reception at Government House on November 11th will be hosted by H.E. Governor Duncan Taylor when the official announcement will be made.

“RODDY”

Roddy – that’s what they called him

From birth, right to his grave.

He was six foot six inches tall

So big and strong and brave.

He was one of the finest fathers

And he loved us all so much.

He always had time for others

And he had that special touch.

He tickled our toes in the morning

Waking us to a brand new day,

With fruit from his own garden

“Come and get it my darlings,” he’d say.

He was such a good provider,

He always farmed his land.

Our cupboards were never empty

All stocked by his very own hand.

He taught us from early childhood

To respect others above ourselves,

To cherish what God had given us

Our freedom to enjoy our wealth.

And wealth didn’t mean money

For there was little of that.

It was our sunshine, sand and warm blue sea,

All ours to enjoy, and it was totally free.

He swam with us off the iron shore

I tell you, we enjoyed it all so much.

Swimming and diving with our father

In those days we were never lost touch.

“Work hard and plan your day.”

Was his fatherly and friendly advice.

“Hard work never kill nobody

Take a look at me – Inspector Roddy.”

He was serious but also humorous

And he loved to chat awhile

With friends under our plum tree

And a cup of fresh coffee.