The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

EVEN as they struggled with the sudden death of their loved ones, family of the six recent plane crash victims in Andros visited a government complex in North Andros Friday and were consoled and comforted by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and some of his parliamentary colleagues.

Throughout the event most sat stoically in their seats. The fact that they showed up at all despite their mourning was a quiet show of their strength. In private, some officials from New Providence remarked on the stillness that appeared to permeate the island.

Family members held out hope on Thursday that their loved one could still be found alive. But by Friday, after the Civil Aviation Department announced the termination of search and rescue efforts, reality settled in. Darren Clarke, Margaret Adderley, Valentino Cardinal Knowles, Carter Campbell, Desiree Russell and ten-year-old Destinuqe Wilson had perished when the Piper Aztec plane taking them to Nassau crashed in waters off Andros, the first fatal plane crash in the country in over a year.

"We know we are headline news," Mangrove Cay Administrator Glenn Lightbounre said, "but even more there are personal stories here."

Dr Minnis later added: "This is indeed a sad moment and tragedy for Andros, be it a large landmass but a strong community. The question is always asked, why would such an event occur? Why me? Why us? And why the end road at this time when they have not yet begun their life. We all look for excuses, blame this one or the other, but what we do know for certain is that whatever happens in this world, one man knows why he wants it to happen and that's God. And whatever happened, God wanted it this way. He would know why. Be assured that the government of the Bahamas will continue to support the family as much as we can."

The grief-stricken families, informed of the event with Dr Minnis just Friday morning, told The Tribune they appreciated the prime minister's effort.

"It was nice of them to come to greet us," one said.

Government officials hope to return to the island next week Friday for a memorial for the victims. Meanwhile, a community vigil is expected Wednesday evening.