BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 25TH 2013 (CUOPM) – Messages of sympathy from St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Vance Amory, former Premier, the Hon. Joseph Parry and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Erasmus Williams, were read at last Sunday’s funeral service in Montserrat, to Celebrate the Life of the late Howell Richard Bramble.
Hundreds of persons from all walks of life on Montserrat, Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts attended the Service at the New Carmel Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Salem presided Pastor Carl Hastings, who also gave the welcome and opening remarks.
Following Prayers of Consolation by Elder Hazel Riley and Scripture of Comfort by his nephew Ray Bramble, tributes flowed from journalist and family friend, Bennette Roach; cousin, Orville Daly; son, Philmore Parris; niece Marsha Edwards-Colon, church representative, Clarence Greaves, and family friends, Pastor Williams, Claudette Joseph, Claude Gerald, the eulogy was read by nephew, William Bramble.
Following a musical selection by the New Carmel Signing Group, Pastor Hastings delivered the Homily.
Howell Richard Bramble was born at Cork Hill, Montserrat on February 10, 1935. He was the third son and fourth child of William Henry Bramble and Ann Albertha Daley-Bramble.
He attended Primary school at Salem and then proceeded to the Caribbean Union College in Maracas, Trinidad to pursue advanced studies. Howell was an avid reader and became a keen student of history. From these interests he developed a command of the English language and a passionate love for journalism.
From Trinidad he immigrated to London where he underwent formal studies in Journalism. He eventually became a Master of the rules and skills of the craft.
His aim was always to present the whole truth and nothing but the truth when reporting a story. In this regard he was fearless and doggedly persistent. He earned the respect and admiration of his peers not only in Montserrat but in the wider Caribbean.
In 1966, Howell returned from London to Montserrat. For some years he worked as Editor of the Montserrat Reporter and as sportscaster at Radio Antilles. He also served as local correspondent for some international news agencies. He later started his own newspaper the Montserrat Times which was the principle print medium in the island until the eruption of the volcano.
On February 14, 1982 Howell married Ruby Wade-Bramble with whom he lived happily at Richmond Hill and Woodlands until the eruption of the volcano forced them to relocate their home in Nevis.
He fathered three sons, Nigel Bernard, Howie Ogarro and Philmore Parris.
His relatives and friends remember him as a kind, caring and sensitive person who cared deeply about human beings and human suffering. He was always willing to provide assistance to the maximum of his ability.
Mr. Bramble is survived by his wife, Ruby wade-Bramble; sons, Howell O’Garro, Philmore Parris and Nigel Bernard; stepdaughter, Dr. Cheryl D. Wade; granddaughter, Amarah Parris, brother, P. Austin Bramble, sister Olga Edwards and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.