My Deepest condolences…

Love ❤️ Always!!

Will miss you. Thanks for all you have done for me and many others . I love you . Rest in peace. Your nephew Dicky

This tribute to my Aunty Buna is in fact an excerpt from a book I am still writing. It is part of a chapter that is called “Not Left Behind” and the life-changing decision my mother made because Aunty Buna was leaving Dominica. I hoped to verify the accuracy with Aunty Buna which I obviously can’t anymore, but I did ask her about it when we last visited for her

95th birthday. My brother Dicky, who was five at the time did confirm that this is how he remembered the experience. So please feel free to provide corrections or any additional information.

“Buna is packing! Her husband who hails from Anguilla had arranged for his family, wife, and all the children, to leave Dominica for his hometown Anguilla. A boat had been chartered and they were leaving shortly. Ali did not have to think about her next move, she was going to. Buna was her rock, her support, the person she leaned on, her defender, the sister who raised her as she so often declared! Buna (Booboo) was not leaving her behind!

And so, the journey began, with two families. Three parents and 10 children in total. Buna and Alfred and their 7 children, and Alice with her three children. The boat was loaded with their personal belongings and food supplies for the voyage. They set sail for Anguilla, bidding goodbye to the place they called home for decades.

The trip was not without its challenges, as - the little boat that could - found itself in rough waters between Saba and St. Maarten. The boat received constant beating from the waves that got stronger and more extreme as the inclement weather worsened. Just as the captain struggled, so did the boat which eventually gave in to the treacherous water which damaged the mast. Having lost confidence in himself to guarantee safe passage to the travelers and their belongings, the captain sought comfort in his bottle of rum as he faced, what he believed to be, the end.

Supplies were packed for a short trip, not stormy weather, not rough seas, and certainly not considering a drunk captain. Hungry bellies, scared children, and worried parents now feared the worst, except for Ali’s brother-in-law, who would later be known as a “no-nonsense west Indian” took charge of the vessel. Alfred moved the captain aside and took charge of the vessel, navigated through turbulent waters, and steered the family safely to St. Maarten.

Not a knight and shining armor on a white horse, but a tall white Dutch man at the shore, stood awaiting the family in distress. An avid sailor himself, he undoubtedly knew exactly what his wife, children, and family had experienced for days* in the Atlantic Ocean. Now safely in St. Maarten, Dirk-Jan (Derick John) ensured that all Anguilla-bound voyagers were able to rest, eat and prepare to continue their journey to Anguilla. Ali and her three children, however, had arrived where she would call home for the next 58 years.”

My mother was always so excited when Aunty Buna came to visit or when she went to visit her. Even when Alzheimer’s erased so many of her memories, whenever Buna was mentioned, she lit up with excitement. If there is a grand reunion in heaven, there is no doubt that my mother will be upfront to welcome her sister Buna to the celebration.

On behalf of Dicky and Family, Tammy, Jan and Family, and my (Marietje) family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our family has lost the last of our elders - we share in your loss.

Love Marietje Buncamper-Molanus