Major “Roddy” Watler remembered
Today (Fridayy 3rd March) is the anniversary of Major Joseph Rodriquez ‘Roddy’ Watler who served as Inspector of Police (for 33 years), was light house keeper, foreman of public works, boarding officer of vessels, and warehouse keeper.
He was appointed Officer in Charge of the Cayman Islands Company of The Jamaican Home Guard on 1st October 1942 until 31st March 1945 when the war ceased.
In the raging hurricane of 1932 Major Watler exhibited much bravery in rescuing 20 people who were marooned in Red Bay. For this service he was awarded the King George V and Queen Mary Silver Medal for Bravery.
Major Watler was also an Elder and Manager of Elmslie Memorial United Church for many years.
Incredibly, there is no mention of this truly great Caymanian in the official “History of the Cayman Islands” book.
Even at the honours ceremony of past heroes at Heroes Square last month there was no tribute to Major Watler and his name was not mentioned.
His surviving daughters, Helen Merren and Joan Wilson certainly remember their wonderful father and his extraordinary life and service he gave to his country the Cayman Islands.
Major Joseph Rodriquez Watler was born on 3rd March 1880 in the District of Red Bay, Grand Cayman.
He died at age 75 in April of 1965.
An award winning stage play written by Colin Wilson called “Watler’s War” has been staged at The Prospect Playhouse and shown on CITN/Cayman27. The play shows Mj. Watler
The play has since been published by a London publishing house.