The Tribune

By MORGAN ADDERLEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

madderley@tribunemedia.net

THE North Andros community gathered at Cathedral of Olives Baptist Church on Friday to celebrate the lives and mourn the loss of the six people who died in a tragic plane crash on January 17.

Framed portraits of Ricardo Campbell, Desiree Russell, Destinique Wilson, Darren Clarke, Margaret Adderley, and Valentino Russell each adorned in flowers, were proudly placed in front of the stage.

School children, government officials, clergymen of all denominations, and the North Andros Mass Choir were among those who formed the diverse group which paid tribute to the victims and offered support to the bereaved families.

Toward the close of ceremony, one grieving family member begged Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to help the relatives get closure by quickly facilitating DNA testing of the victims' remains. He said the families need to give the victims a proper burial.

Bishop Philip Campbell said to the prime minister: “I wish to appeal sir, that as the DNA work is done, that you would see to it that we could get that resolved as quickly as possible. That we can come back to the house of God and bring dignity to the passing of our loved ones.

“I’ve said to my older siblings…if only for [my niece], we need to bring my brother’s remains to this house [of God].

“That [my niece] could home to Andros and say ‘this is where my Daddy is’. Please, sir. We appreciate your presence; we appreciate all that was done today for our family. But it would be even more appreciated, sir, if you could make that happen for us as soon as possible.”

Speaking to reporters after the service, Dr Minnis said this request is “reasonable.”

He said: “I think families want resolution, quick resolution; you know the problems with insurance, etc. And there will be especially the kids...who are certainly wondering when their parents are coming home, when their friends are coming home.

“But with resolution those questions will be answered. And therefore we will, as you know DNA takes some time. But we will do to ensure it is done as quickly as possible to bring resolution to this tragedy.”

He continued: “[Cabinet] is here to show support, because this is a tragic event that happened in the Bahamas, especially among a community like Andros, a very close-knit community. And a young young student was included in this. Her life was not even begun. But when things happen, only one man knows why, and that’s God. And we must always continue to believe and trust in God.”

When asked by The Tribune if he thinks that the government needs stricter aviation regulations, Dr Minnis said: “This is not the time to talk about regulations. We have a family in mourning, an investigation is going on, so let’s wait for investigations to become completed.”

In his sentiments during the memorial, North Andros and the Berry Islands MP Carlton Bowleg Jr said: “We are here to celebrate the life of some of the greatest people I ever came in contact with in North Andros.

“Even though this road may be long, and this journey may be hard, I want you, the people of North Andros, [to know] that as long as we stand together, we will get through this. Even though the mountain may see high to climb, every day we’re going to climb higher and higher together.”

Mr Bowleg also recounted personal encounters he had with the victims, and ended his speech with a short performance of the song “You Raise Me Up”. His rendition was received enthusiastically by his fellow members of Parliament and the audience.

In his tribute, Leader of the Official Opposition Philip “Brave” Davis called for stricter regulations in the aviation industry. He said: “Grief has a way of bringing people together, to love each other even more deeply. That’s saddening that it has to be grief to bring those valuable traits out of us.

“While we come together in solidarity, we must also commit —we owe it to the victims— to ensure that they have not died in vain. Similarly, we owe it to the living to work for better regulations, more stringent enforcement of rules, and evidence that we live in a just and humane society.”

During his speech at the ceremony, Dr Minnis told those gathered that not only Andros is grieving the tragedy, but the whole country is in mourning.

“We want you, the people of North Andros, to be assured that it is not only Andros that is grieving, but the entire Bahamas is grieving,” Dr Minnis said. “The entire country feels [a] sense of sorrow and heartbreak. Please know that as a nation we are praying for you.

“In times of tragedy such as now, it is only the love and comfort of those around us, and the healing power of Almighty God that sustains us through the pain and suffering that seems almost unbearable.”

One of the soloists at the service was Edison Clarke Jr, brother to pilot Darren Clarke. In an interview with The Tribune, he said he thinks the call to facilitate DNA testing of the victims’ remains so they can be buried soon is a “good idea.”

Mr Clarke said: “It allows the family members to have closure, you know the sooner the better. But we understand that it’s a tedious process, things have to be done. I don’t think they’re equipped in the Bahamas to handle the situation, so I know most likely they have to send stuff overseas.”

“We appreciate it, the sooner the better like I said. We’re working along with the government so that as progress is made, they’ll be able to move forward and get closure and be able to rest easy.”