RIP Robert (Bob) Ballantyne: By Chief Strong-Blood

This Month, the Month January 2026, One of St. Vincent and the Grenadines distinguished Sport Ambassadors, took his final breath and was laid to rest, in a quiet ceremony, without the fan fair that should follow the death of: A champion. One who dedicated their youth, to honing his skills, to represent his country.

I speak of none other, than Bob Ballantyne of the famous Sporting family Ballantynes of Frenches. The son of Mr. F. Ballentyne one of the earlier Body Builders in S.V.G. Bob's Mother was the noted National Netball player: turn Netball Coach and Netball Administrator the late: Gloria Ballantyne, a women who literally dedicated her entire life, to the development of Netball and Netballers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Younger Brother of Raymond Ballantyne the preeminent Full Stopper who represented, St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Soccer, and was a part of the 1979 National Football team that shocked the football world at the C.F.U tournament. Also the brother of National Soccer player Mitch Ballantyne the baby of the family.

Bob was the Brother of one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, outstanding youth Track and Field Athlete, who also dedicated his entire adult life, as a teacher and as an after school Track and Field coach Orde Ballantyne.

The Ballantynes family Athletic prowess did not began with their parents but it stretched back to their Grand Father Mr. St. Clair Warner, who represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines in two seperate and distinct sporting discipline in Soccer and Cricket. After Sport Mr. Warner spend his Adult life as a Male Attendant/Post Mortem Assistant at the Kingstown General Hospital.

How can we forget Bob's baby sister; One of the greatest Netballers to have ever taken the court: the late Joanne Ballantyne. The Jury is still out on, who is the GOAT of Netballer. Joanne Ballentyne or Stella Boyea.

Let us not forget Bob's sister Rossie; who was in her own rights an Athletic trend setter: Rossie was the very first Vincentian: male and or female, to have ever medal, at the Carifta Games; she was also decent netball player, but was more interested in Netball administration then playing the game of Netball.

Bob Ballantyne, was an exceptional table tennis talent, who dedicated his life to the sport of table tennis. He spent most of his tennis life as the top seed. For several years Bob teetered between being number one and two.

For a very long time, Bob's biggest rival was Sky Llewellyn, who had as feirce a game, as bob did. In my opinion Bob and Sky meeting, in any point in any Table Tennis tournament, was tantamount to Vita Malt Miters Vs Maples at the SVG Net Ball Center, in the 1980 or Roseans Vs Sion Hill at Victoria Park in the same era.

The announcement of a Bob Ballantyne - Sky Llewellyn table tennis face off; was capable of filling any hall the match was scheduled to be played. These two super athletes left it all on the table.

My Condolences to the remaining members of the Ballentyne Family, who have been hit hard by death in the past few years. May Bob's rest be a short rest and may his rest be a peaceful rest.