William ‘Bubblicious’ Galloway, a beloved figure in Montserrat, passed away on 8 January at the age of 69, leaving the community in mourning.
Born in Plymouth, Montserrat, on 14 June, 1955, Galloway was well-known on the island in his early years as ‘Postman Willy,’ delivering mail on his motorcycle.
Beyond his postal duties, Galloway was an accomplished performer, writer, set designer, and a prominent member of the Montserrat Theatre Group, touring the Caribbean with many of their plays.
He later moved to the United States, where he and his wife raised their family in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts.
Galloway enjoyed a successful career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, working for John Hancock, Shire Pharmaceutical Group, and Boston University, from which he eventually retired.
A master of handiwork, Galloway could build or repair anything, always adding his own unique touch. He appreciated things that were “different”.
He was also a published poet, playwright, and producer, with a deep passion for celebrating Montserrat and Caribbean culture.
Galloway’s love for Caribbean carnival was evident as he attended and participated in many celebrations worldwide. He enjoyed travel and cherished creating lasting memories with family and friends.
Above all, family was the most important aspect of his life.
He was the beloved husband of Annesta Galloway for over 35 years and a devoted father to Sandrene Ryan, Walter Labranche and his wife Marlene, Nafeesa Galloway, Nisreen Galloway and her fiancé Joshua Major-Paschal.
He was also a cherished brother, uncle, and grandfather to many.
Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Saturday, 1 February, from 10am to 11am at Faith Christian Church, 301 Harvard Street, Dorchester.
The funeral service will follow at 11 am, with burial in Montserrat at a later date.
‘Lyrical mastermind’
Dozens of community members in Montserrat posted online tributes to Galloway, who was affectionately known as ‘Bubblicious’ or ‘Bubbles’.
Kenneth Rabo Silcott, director of Montserrat Arts Council, in a post on 15 January, said it was a sad moment for the cultural fraternity.
“William ‘Bubbles’ Galloway unique style of writing was astonishing and indeed classical and cannot be equated to any other,” he wrote.
“It was a blessing and a pleasure to have known him from a personal level, collaborating on some projects, as a poet, author, producer and playwright.”
He called Galloway “a cultural icon, a methodical writer and lyrical mastermind”, and said his published work, such as his plays Warahi and Peafoot, span the globe and must be treasured.
“Bubbles is a natural lyricist that uses a web of words without fear or favour to tackle social and political injustice and behaviours,” he said.
In a Facebook post on 13 January, the United Alliance party said: “A cultural icon has passed on, but his legacy will live forever.”
‘Kind heart’
Vanessa Farrell in a Facebook post on 11 January said: “When I say he was one of the BEST, I truly mean it. There isn’t a part of my life where you weren’t present, cuz.
“I fondly remember your days as a postman in Montserrat, arriving on your motorbike.
“I eagerly awaited your arrival in Parson just to see how many rubber bands you’d give me for my collection – something that seems trivial now, but as a child it meant the world to me at the time – back in the 70s.
“As we grew older, we stayed in touch, cheering each other on, sharing updates and supporting each other’s endeavours as family, as friends and as authors.
“I admired the way you loved and cherished your homeland of Montserrat.
“I love your zest for life and genuine love for friends and family, especially the love you shared with your beautiful wife Nesta White (I pray for your strength, my dear, cuz).
“Your kind heart, your beautiful SMILE, and your courageous spirit will be missed more than words can express.”
‘Loving soul’
Jeevan Robinson in a Facebook post on 9 January said his friend and brother ‘Bubbles’ was “a man gifted with a truly good heart and a loving soul” as well as a “visionary and culture enthusiast”.
He was a regular poetry contributor to Robinson’s digital publication and never failed to submit a multitude of poems for publication.
“We would talk politics. He loved Montserrat! He believed in Montserrat’s promise and what it could yield for the future,” he wrote.
“Seeing and believing in his passion for Strat, I wanted to see my friend jump into the mix. We discussed it openly on several occasions. Constitution and electoral reform were his passion items.”
Robinson remembered fondly the last time he spent time with Galloway, when the men hugged, ate food and talked.
“I am thrilled that we got to share that last hang out; that last conversation; that last exchange of thoughts; that last meal together – as brothers!”
One of Galloway’s poems, titled ‘The Need’, published on Discover Montserrat in 2016, can be read here.
Artist Prynze also released Galloway’s song ‘Life is a Jungle’ on YouTube in tribute to him on 10 January. Listen below:
