BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - HE would tell you that although he lost his entire left arm at age 11, there are times when he does not even remember that he has one hand. He would tell you that he does not see his limitation as a disadvantage. And he would also tell you of his belief that had he not lost his arm he might have been either in prison or worse yet, dead.
Roosevelt Howe - an employee of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services - by his own confession, was an obstinate child who got a thrill out of adventure even if it meant disobeying the orders of his guardians.
And the adventure of March 21, 1987 - where he went engine hopping - was the one which cost him his hand.
Regrets
Asked if he has any regrets about that unforgettable day, Howe indicated that if he were to relive his childhood days, he would not have gone engine hopping. But he does not mourn the loss of his arm and feels that the loss caused him to develop a new outlook on life; one which caused him to change his obstinate ways.
“When I look back on my life, if I didn’t go on the engine that day I would have still had my two hands. But, on the other hand, maybe I might have been in jail or maybe I might have died with the route I was taking. So I see it as something that basically saved me. It is somewhat of a blessing!
“As I started to grow older, I realised I had one hand and if I went and did things with these other boys people would have been able to pick me out easily. So it deterred me from that.”
Advice
Howe told SKNVibes that his misfortune was as a direct result of him disobeying his guardians. And his advice to young people is to learn from his mistake and shun disobedience.
“Obey your parents because your parents know what is best. They went through it before. There are lots of things out there that children and young people want to explore, but first you have to look at the danger. They don’t look at the danger of things, but if you could avoid it, avoid it and listen to your parents.
“My grandmother always taught me there are two things which we must say when these things happen. One, if I only knew... and two, I wish I didn’t go. I used to disobey my parents when they told me not to hop the engine. I used to tell them I don’t hop the engine...but you see what happened to me.”
Accomplishments
Howe is a Fire Sub Officer (FSO) and functions in a supervisory role at the Basseterre Fire Station. He is also a member of the Red Cross Society and is part of the Regional Integration Team.
The father of two is married, owns his own home in Shadwell and also a vehicle (bus) on which he does mechanical work whenever it becomes necessary.
SKNVibes realised that Howe was not one to gloat about his accomplishments, but he said no matter what the limitations are, once the breath of life is within him he would achieve set goals.
“To people out there who have disabilities, I can’t tell people how to feel or to do things they don’t want to do, but if you can’t walk, can’t talk, can’t see...at least you have life. I have my limitations yes, but I have life!
