Flanked by members of the clergy from approximately five different denominations, the Minister of Education and residents from the St. Georges Community, family members of 12 year –old Daniel Simpson clung closely over the flicker of candlelight, as the parties present demonstrated their support, Tuesdaynight.
The moment was a reflection of harmony as residents braved inclement, the sound of children songs were in the air, popular among the gathering was “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, as they trot the route with lit candles throughout sections of the community, from the Piggotts playing field, onto St. Marks Drive, then onto Berma Road, onto Old Parham road.
Several residents joined the vigil along the path, while others who were unable to attend lit candles on their home banisters.
The vigil culminated with a Service of Life at the Piggott Primary School, was punctuated with Moment of Silence, Prayer for the Family, Prayer for the Community and Charges to Youths of the Community. Among them rendering tributes in songs were his cousin Jashaun Hughes, Bernadine Abbott and Robbin and Pat Brown Dyer, all on the behalf of the Piggotts Community.
The deceased relative, read from St. John 14: 25 to 29, a scripture in which the family, has since the 29 of August found solace.
“This is something that has brought a level of comfort, this vigil has been put on my heart,” said Donald Simpson father of the deceased, as he fought back tears throughout the service.
Intermittently, smiles could be seen on the faces of the families, as accolades were delivered in favour of young Simpson’s life, though short-lived.
Deputy Principal of the TN School Sandra Felix spoke of her interaction with Daniel and the struggles of the students in his former class to come to grip with the loss.
“I remember Daniel, like it was yesterday….He came to school regularly, clean and is a very mannerly child…I remember this little smile and him saying ‘yes teacher’ and in the case of Mr. Nickeo, ‘Yes Sir’…It was short but God Knows Best, ” Felix said.
She also gave an account of the first day she handled the registration process for young Simpson to attend the school and the recommendations, she made.
Smiles engulfed the father as she recounted the words of Donald “… ‘I only want the best for my son, so he is able to learn to read and write’...”
Felix advised the family, “Don’t force yourself to heal, take it one day at a time, because even Jesus Wept, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, spoke of ripple effects stemming from any death, especially that of a child throughout the home, family, community; throughout and by extension the nation.
“For all parents, a tragedy such as young Daniel’s untimely death causes us to pause; causes our breath to catch in our throats for a little while and shudder at the thought. We see our children as extensions of ourselves and so we dream through them. What we were not- we hope that our children will grow up to be; everything that we have achieved we pray they will surpass,” said Dr. Leandro who is also the Member of Parliament for St. Georges.
“We see it as the natural order of life that children bury their parents and not the other way around. This is something we just never address our minds to: burying a child. And in this case Daniel was a child in every sense of the word. He was 12 years old.” she said
The MP reminds residents that Daniel represents all our young sons and young children in St. Georges, and charged them, “Daniel reminds us that it is indeed the whole village that must raise the child. Parents, it is our responsibility to encourage our children to speak up and out when they see something wrong. A single word could save a life.”
Reverend Dwane Cassius of the St. Georges Anglican strengthened the Dr. Leandro’s call in the biblical context when Jesus prayed with his disciples in at Gethsemane. “To keep vigil is to keep watch. This is to show that you the family is not alone….we are keeping watch with you and the thought of this brought tears to my eyes.”
He urged the community to “keep watch for the family to become a better community, share, interact and be sensitive to their needs with prayers of comfort from the Holy Spirit…”
Reverend Kirk Barker of the Bethany Moravian Church, offered prayers of comfort to the grieving families, while Pastor Denton Gordon of the Piggotts Seventh Day Adventist Church gave closing prayers.
The vigil ended, with persons sharing love and a vote of thanks from another family member.
Also, in attendance were Principal and Students of the TN Kirnon School, and members of the deceased sports club.
The program was chaired by Clephane Roberts of the Seventh Day Adventist Community, while Indra Payne the St. George Youth Coordinator rendered welcoming remarks. The vigil was organized by the United Progressive Party St. Georges Branch, and paraphernalia’s representing the deceased was distributed.
