EDITOR’S NOTE: Lindsay Thompson, Senior Information Officer at Bahamas Information Services, posted this tribute to her late journalistic colleague Vanessa Rolle-Clarke, who died on Thursday, July 13, that I decided to share as a Guest Commentary with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Both Lindsay and Vanessa were among the group of very talented journalists I had the pleasure of working with when I was editor of The Nassau Guardian from 1998 to 2022.
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY LINDSAY THOMPSON
NASSAU, Bahamas — I first met Vanessa in the halls of the newsroom at The Nassau Guardian – just after I returned to work from maternity leave, after having my first son William. That was 24 years ago.
Vanessa and I hit it off right away especially after she asked, “Well, where is the baby weight…?” lol!!!
That certainly started a great working relationship and blossomed into a sisterhood and friendship up until her death.
Yes, there were challenges along the way, as friendships are often tested. The true test came when, whenever we spoke or saw each other, only the moment mattered. (Some things remained where it was said).
The newsroom had many characters of sorts – Farreno who had the “Christie shuffle” down pat. Donald was “El Presidente”, Jimenita was“Jimmy” or “Jim Bob”… Keisha…and more nicknames were attached to others. Vanessa had a hand in creating this off-the-wall, comedy central-type atmosphere AND she always had a saying from her grandmother and older relatives and “all anum”.
She was beautiful, smart, had great comedic timing, was an inspiration when she was not aware of it, and was faithful to God.
Vanessa also introduced us to another part of her life – her strong and beautiful voice. Oh, she and the late Deidre sang around the country what became their signature song, “Carry Your Candle, Go Light Your World”. There was also Harmonious Praise – the gospel group she was a member of. I don’t think there was a concert that The Nassau Guardian newsroom crew were not present for. We just had to support – the voice drew us there.
After I left the paper and Vanessa moved to Freeport, we kept in contact because she worked at the Freeport News – what I called The Nassau Guardian’s “baby”. Our interactions took on a social media presence and eventually an “NG Crew”, WhatsApp, no holds barred group was formed. Vanessa was never afraid to voice her opinion on any subject matter posted.
In recent years the news of her illness was a bitter pill to swallow; however, she remained active in the group. Vanessa loved us and the interaction so much that when she was unable to post, she made sure her eldest daughter V’ajha, her nurse, and even her husband Volare kept the group informed about her condition.
Ah, Vanessa, so much more I can say, but for sure you took your Candle and you did light the world.
Heaven will see that Light. Keep shining down on us. We will miss you forever…RIP, Vanessa… ❤🙌
