A crescendo of weeping voices filled the air as separate funerals were held this week for two young people shot and killed in Anguilla by assassins yet unknown and at large. Once the autopsies were completed, the bodies were released for burial.

Rev. Dr. S. W. Hodge

One of the two innocent victims was Devon Jamal Ryan, 20, son of Susette and Glenn Ryan, and an employee at CuisinArt Resort. He died after he was shot on July 30 at Blowing Point. His funeral was held at Bethel Methodist Church at South Hill on Monday, August 27, and was conducted by Reverend Dr. S. W. Hodge. The other victim was Stacey-Ann Brooks-Laurent, 22, daughter of Stayford and Miriam Brooks, wife of Robelto ‘Naldo’ Laurent, and a Security Officer at Wallblake Airport. She died on August 3 after she was shot at South Hill. Her funeral was held on Tuesday, August 28, at Ebenezer Methodist Church and was conducted by Reverend Joseph Lloyd.

Hon. Hubert Hughes

“One of the sad things about these two funerals is that the perpetrators of the crimes have not been caught,” Reverend Hodge said as he began his sermon, resulting in loud groans from the mourners. He suggested “they may looking on at this ceremony; may be outside in the yard and may be one or two of you here may know who they are but are afraid…so if you do know, speak up.”

The late Devon Jamal Ryan

He went on: “What is happening in Anguilla is that there are certain social ills accompanying progress. I am quite sure that the vast majority, if not all the young people, get pay cheques…In the early days in Anguilla we didn’t get pay cheques so people can use their pay cheques for whatever they want – even to buy weapons or drugs. It is sad to see some of our young people on our streets like walking zombies. They are already dead…We sincerely hope that a message may go out to our young generation that there is a higher and nobler purpose in life.”

Maranatha and Blowing Point community youth

Elected Member for Road South, Hubert Hughes, condemned incidents of village and gangs rivalry and violence which in the past have hurt the island and caused harm to innocent persons. “As we look in the graveyards and in the prison we see some of our young people languishing in our prison and rotting in our graveyards. Are we not guilty that we have not done our share, our little bit, to prevent this disaster, this dilemma this senseless childish crime?” he asked.

Devon’s final journey

Mr. Hughes said he found himself an intimate part of the suffering and pain of the grieving Ryan family whose children and his own shared much fellowship. “Let us take comfort as we consider the life of Devon shining as a beacon, as a model for others of his age, and that in living the life he lived we who are left to mourn his loss can rest assured that his Lord and Father above has welcomed him to a better world than he has left behind. This is my hope.”

Reverend Joseph Lloyd

The Formal Remembrance, read by Malcolm Webster, described Devon Ryan as having been “very respectful, cool and calm in his mannerism and always carried a peaceful appearance.”

The late Stacy-Ann Brooks-Laurent

Like Ryan’s funeral, the thanksgiving service for the life of Stacey-Ann Brooks-Laurent, was attended by a large number of mourners.

Members of the family in song

Reverend Lloyd expressed the view that one of the emotions gripping everyone was anger as they would like to know the root cause of her slaying, identify the culprit and what motivated that person “to commit such a cowardly and dastardly act.”

Fire Department personnel joins Security Officers in mourning

The Minister continued: “Though some weeks have elapsed between the senseless brutal slaying of Stacey-Ann Brooks-Laurent and this formal service, the severity of the initial shock which gripped the parents, siblings and other close relatives and friends of the deceased, still lingers. Who knows how long it will take to overcome this anger, anguish and trauma?

Stacy-Ann’s final journey

“Those of us who have never experienced the brutal, senseless, tragic murder of a loved one by an assassin’s bullet, or by some other form of violence, which seems to be swiftly becoming the norm, rather than the exception in the Anguillian context, may not be able to empathize fully with those closest to Stacey-Ann who have been anguished and traumatized by her death.

“It is only when we stand where we are standing now that we can empathize in a realistic and significant manner. Then, and only then, does the full extent of their grief and pain becomes our grief and pain.

“It is common knowledge that mismanaged and uncontrolled anger can become the forerunner of vindictiveness. At such a stage irrationality can motivate a person to take the law in his/her hands; and this in itself can never be and must never be condoned for it can have serious repercussions. Whether it is the law of God or the law of the land, none of us has the right to take it in our hands.”

Reverend Lloyd emphasised the need for a spirit of love to permeate the lives of all people. “When love is pre-eminent, spitefulness and vindictiveness which are the forerunners of the perpetration of violence and criminality will find no place in the human heart to abide,” he pointed out.

He declared: “The individual with a heart of stone – the unregenerate – has no regard, whatsoever, for the sacredness and sanctity of human life. He or she is an outlaw – no better than a dumb animal – and becomes a threat and menace to the wellbeing of any community or society.”

Reverend Lloyd added: “The community is very concerned about the unprecedented spate of violence and crime which within recent weeks has been wreaking havoc in the land. That concern has manifested itself in the setting aside of a National Day of Mourning, Prayer and Repentance. In spite of what positive results might have been achieved, it must be realised that this is not an end in itself.

“There is a challenge for us to revert to basics. Many of the core values which in the past were prized and which were the foundation upon which home and family life, religious life and community life were built, have been discarded and superseded by so-called modern tenets. And that is where the cardinal sin has been committed. Regardless of the age in which we live…there are basic principles and mores which remain the same from age to age – honesty, integrity, morality, courtesy, good manners, respect for others, love for God and neighbour.”

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