Newtown mourns loss of community stalwart
Ralph Tota laid to rest

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Ralph Roland Tota in his earlier days

Tota was 76 years old at his death and is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Naomi, seven children, 11grandchildren and three great-grand children.

He was born on September 8, 1932 to Marie Wallace and resided in Lower Monkey Hill until his move to Basseterre as an adult.

During his childhood days, Tota attended a primary school in St. Peter’s; however, it is unclear as to where he received his secondary education. Upon completion of his secondary education, he was employed as a tailor and shortly after established his own tailor shop in Carty Alley, Newtown.

By 1962 Tota was married and had fathered six children. He later migrated to England, where he remained for approximately five years before returning to St. Kitts to open a tailor shop and grocery store on George Street, Newtown, which is still in existence.

Over his years as a Newtown resident, Tota was actively involved in many facets of community life. Not only was he the campaign manager for all of the Labour Party’s candidates who ran in the East Basseterre Constituency during his active years, but he was also an ardent supporter of all the sporting leagues, including football, basketball and cricket, in which Newtown participated.

Additionally, Tota designed and made costumes for several carnival troupes and was once selected as the Carnival Grand Marshall..  ~~Adz:Right~~

According to his son, Sheldon Tota, his father’s health began to deteriorate in the late 1990s when he was diagnosed with a rare nerve and muscle disorder. Tota was consequently unable to walk and remained bed-ridden until his death.

Sheldon described his father as a person who “gave all that he had”.

“My father was a very giving man. Nobody could come to him and say they were hungry and would leave the store unfed, regardless of whom they were or the beliefs they had.

“He also loved to talk; he was a very cheerful and jovial person even though he was incredibly ill and he knew that his days were numbered. He was an excellent father to me,” he added.

Tota was buried at the Springfield Cemetery on Tuesday (Jan. 6) following a funeral service at the St. Georges Anglican Church that was attended by a large cross section of society.