The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS from the Haitian community gathered at Enoch Beckford Auditorium Saturday morning to say their final good-byes to the 11 people who tragically lost their lives in a boating accident on June 10.

The emotional ceremony was held by members of the Haitian community in New Providence as well as the Haitian Embassy after no one came forward to claim the bodies that lay in the Princess Margaret Hospital for almost two weeks.

Haitian Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue told those grieving at the service to be comforted in knowing they “are not alone”. He also warned them about the dangers of taking such trips.

“You have the support of the entire community,” he said. “The Haitian government is doing all they can to prevent tragedies like this one from happening again. Please avoid placing yourselves in danger by using illegal channels to go on foreign soil. This also reaffirms the dedication we have to work for the improvement of living conditions of all Haitians.”

The six adults and five children laid to rest were among a group of 28 passengers on board the 25-foot “Glory Time” that capsized on its way to Florida.

The six adults have yet to be identified, but the five children are 11-year-old Jermaine Joseph, 10-year-old Evincekie Baptist, nine-year-old Alanzo Joseph, eight-year-old Chrischanti Joseph, and seven-year-old Ashanti Joseph.

Five passengers remain in police custody while the other 12 are still unaccounted for.

Dr Exante Cherelus, president of the Haitian Pastors Association, said it was a sad day for both the Haitian and Bahamian communities as the two have been “mixed together for a long time.”

Kemuel Cox, President and CEO of Rock of Ages Northside Funeral Home, said some of the bodies were able to be viewed, but a closed casket funeral was necessary.

The funeral service was officiated by the Haitian Embassy, the Association of Haitian Pastors and the Catholic Diocese.

They were laid to rest at Southern Cemetery on Cowpen and Spikenard Roads.