The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I enjoyed reading Saturday’s recounting by Jim Lawlor (in his Writing to Remember column) of the story of Lloyd Johnson, the Harbour Island constable killed by an escaped prisoner many years ago. Mr Lawlor’s writings are always insightful and interesting forays into Bahamian history, inspired and informed no doubt by his father-in-law, the late ‘Brilander and Historian, Dr Paul Albury.

This one was no different.

However, the story begins with a factual error. Constable Johnson was my father’s uncle and his murder took place in 1948, not 1954 as the article states.

He died just months before the birth of his son Edgel Johnson, who is now 66.

As might be expected, the story of Uncle Lloyd’s murder has been retold many times both in the family and in the Harbour Island / North Eleuthera area, with all kinds of versions doing the rounds.

Apart from the erroneous date, Mr Lawlor’s version conforms in all respects to the most accurate accounts.

The article quotes from, among others, Uncle Lloyd’s widow, Eloise Johnson. On reading the article, my first thought was to call her just to reconfirm the date of the incident. Sadly, it was not to be. By the most ironic of coincidences, Auntie ‘Loise passed away on the very Saturday that Mr Lawlor’s fine retelling of her husband’s legendary death was published in The Tribune. She was 92. May she rest in peace with Uncle Lloyd.

ANDREW ALLEN

Nassau,

December 11, 2014.