By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

MONTHS after surviving a brutal attack that left her with two broken legs, Latasha Rolle tearfully reunited with the man who saved her on Friday, vowing never to forget his heroic actions.

The 44-year-old mother of two was on her way to work on December 17 when a stranger launched a vicious, unprovoked attack. The assault, which occurred after she stepped off a bus for a quick stop at the bank, was caught on camera and rapidly shared online.

While bystanders watched — some even recording the attack — Delano Clarke sprang into action, pushing the assailant away and halting the violence.

Seated in her wheelchair, Ms Rolle shook hands with Mr Clarke on Friday, telling him: “Thank you so much, so much and I can never forget that day. You came there and you rescued me.” 

She said she was still recovering from the incident but was now in much better condition.

The emotional exchange happened as Mr Clarke received the White Ribbon Award from the Rotary Club and the Bahamas Crisis Centre during a special presentation at the Ministry of National Security on Friday. 

The award was presented as part of the White Ribbon campaign, a global initiative encouraging young men to help end violence against women.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe praised Mr Clarke’s actions, saying his example is one everyone should follow.

“It’s a demonstration that that is what we are all called to do,” he said. “We all have a decision to make. We can either be a part of the problem. We can be part of solution, or we can simply watch.” 

Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, director of the Bahamas Crisis Centre, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of stepping up when others need help.

“We’ve learned over the years violence happens to everybody, and violence is preventable, and the way to prevent violence is to name it and call it out and say what you’re doing is not right,” she said.

Mr Munroe went further, urging the public to donate and help Ms Rolle with her recovery and expenses.

He acknowledged the public outrage over the attack and called on Bahamians to take action.

“All of these Bahamians who have all sorts of things to say can now, just as Mr Clarke acted on that day, they perhaps can act themselves,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to be thousands, but I can guarantee you that Ms Rolle will tell you that any assistance will go for her raising two teenage boys with a mother having dialysis. Not able to work cannot be easy.”

Last December, police charged 41-year-old Lavardo Knowles in connection with the brutal attack.