I don’t recall hearing or reading in the History of the Cayman Islands anything on the life of Major Joseph Rodriquez Watler.
Nor was his name mentioned in the unsung heroes recorded on Radio Cayman on Monday, 19 January, which was Heroes Day in the Cayman Islands.
I would just like to inform the public that Major Rodriquez was Cayman’s Chief Inspector of Police, Light House inspector, foreman of Public Works, boarding officer, warehouse keeper, captain of the Home Guard and ADC to the Commissioners of Governors of his day.
Mr. Roddy or Cap’n Roddy as most people called him was a friend to everyone. In the early days he worked in the USA on the Southern Railroad in Florida and Georgia before returning home to take up his position with government.
During the 1932 hurricane he rescued many families in the Red Bay area including his own mother by padding a canoe through the swamp. For this he was awarded a medal for gallantry from King George V.
During World War II he raided a house in George Town and captured the only spy that was operating on the Island against our allies.
Major Roddy Watler was awarded seven medals during his working life. He was recognized as being a stalwart citizen, a fine man and a dear friend.
The life of the Church filled a big place in his heart.
So to the powers that be, why hasn’t he been recognized? Who records our history?
That, my friends, was a man to be recognized.
Joan Wilson
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