Emmanuel Bellas A Sporting Giant, Community Pillar, Father, Grandfather, and Unforgettable Teacher

It is perhaps divine providence that we had the blessing of a man like Mr. Emmanuel Bellas, who was a living example of the truth that God is with us and gives us the very best.

It is also no accident that a man whose life touched so many generations, communities, lives, and sports would transition on a day dedicated to honoring the value of men in our society—International Men's Day.

Within every nation and community, there are sometimes silent voices and unassuming figures who have a hand in victories and successes that many take for granted. Mr. Bellas' imprint on national and community success, particularly in Vieux-Fort, is undeniable.

As a track athlete who had the privilege of being trained by him at the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, I can attest to the brand of dedication, discipline, commitment, and excellence that were central to his mentorship and training. We would walk from the then VFCSS Campus A to the Marcellin Grounds (Maji Grounds) and undergo intense, rigorous training sessions. If I could compare these sessions to anything, they would be akin to the training scenes in the newly released Netflix series Sprint.

The sporting prowess of the Vieux Fort Comprehensive School is not solely due to the extraordinary athletes who passed through its doors, but also to the support and guidance of teachers like Mr. Bellas. Any athlete who participated in an individual race or a relay during his tenure would remember the profound impact of Mr. Bellas as a coach.

Yet, his influence extended beyond the track and reached other critical disciplines, especially football. The dominance of the Vieux Fort South sporting teams in football is a testament to the invaluable service Mr. Bellas rendered as both coach and mentor. He cared deeply, selflessly, and was concerned with the full development of everyone he mentored. Unsurprisingly, his service transcended the community and expanded to the national level, where he contributed in various capacities, including the Saint Lucia Sports Academy.

On a more personal level, what was equally, if not more, admirable about Mr. Bellas was his love for his children, and especially his grandchildren, who were never far from him. I have vivid memories of him walking with them, hand in hand, or carrying them around while he ran errands or simply spent quality time with them.

In recent times, the true depth and measure of our community have revealed our real gold in people. While the world may attempt to quantify success and impact through titles and popularity, the life of Mr. Bellas—and others like him—resonates with a deeper truth. To serve with love, to give generously, and to do good work is true success.

I reflected last week on the loss of the legendary Late Train, while recalling others like O'Neill Fontenelle and Ohms—people who loved and served their communities, and whose absence has created a palpable void.

Mr. Emmanuel Bellas, we give God thanks that you were with us, and we pray for comfort and peace for your family and friends who will miss you dearly. I will miss you too, sir.

I would have loved to have been able to say thank you.