Candlelight Vigil Honours Deceased Child

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Thursday, 15 September 2011 02:29

By caribarena news

Antigua St John's - Flanked by clergy from about five different denominations, along with the minister of Education and residents from the St Georges community, family members of 12-year-old Daniel Simpson clung to each other Tuesday night over the flicker of candlelight.

The moment was a reflection of harmony as residents braved inclement weather and filled the night with children's songs - particularly “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” as they trod through sections of the community, from the Piggotts playing field onto St Marks Drive, then onto Berma Road, and Old Parham Road.

Several residents joined the vigil along the path, while others lit candles on their bannisters.

The vigil culminated with a service of life at the Piggotts Primary School, punctuated with moments of silence, prayers for the family, prayers for the community, and charges to the youth. Among those rendering tributes in songs were Simpson's cousin, Jashaun Hughes, Bernadine Abbott, and Robbin and Pat Brown Dyer, on behalf of the Piggotts community.
 
“This is something that has brought a level of comfort, this vigil has been put on my heart,” said father Donald Simpson, as he fought back tears throughout the service.

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, was clean, and 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 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, and by extension the nation.

“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 reminded residents that Daniel represents all young sons and young children in St Georges. “Daniel reminds us that it is indeed the whole village that must raise the child," she said. "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.”

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