BASSETERRE, St. Kits – HUNDREDS sat and many others stood on the St. Peter’s Playfield yesterday afternoon (Nov. 17) to say their final farewell to their son, father, brother, confidant, uncle, cousin, associate, Kevin ‘Broadie’ Newman who tragically lost his life in an attempted robbery earlier this month.
At the front of the gathering was Broadie’s casket which was decorated in resemblance of the motor omnibus he operated. It was black in colour, bore the words “Black Beauty” on the side and the words “sell off” at one end of the casket and on the other, the licence plate “HA240” was mounted, also a replica of that with which his bus was fitted.
The graphic of a stallion, much like the one his vehicle bore, was also seen on his casket.
The moments proved bitter-sweet as those gathered reflected on the positive impact that the 38-year-old had on their lives yet coming to grips with the fact that they no longer have the pleasure of his physical presence.
The variety of sections of society represented at the funeral was vast and ranged from Ministers of Government including the Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, representatives of Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department, and members of the island’s Bus Associations.
The service saw a number of tributes to the fallen bus driver and in eulogising him, Keva Manners recalled that Broadie was a leader among his peers a she highlighted two of his most-popular pastimes.
“At school, Kevin was easily a leader of his peers. He was a no nonsense person and he knew what he wanted. He was brave, strong and intelligent, qualities that may have endeared him to his peers as a potential leader… As a past time, he enjoyed tinting, particularly vehicles. His associates would tell you that he was a perfectionist and he allowed no bubbles and he was never satisfied with shoddy work. It had to be redone until it was just right. Kevin’s deportment was a testimony of the work he produced. He always carried himself neatly even with a trademark toothpick stuck between his lips and his shirt had to match his cap…”
“He was responsible, reliable and dependable. Another pastime he enjoyed was driving his bus to transport passengers to and from the rural area. It was bitter-sweet to read all those comments on Facebook in which persons wrote how they could always count on black beauty to be on the road to take them home after a late night now…”
One of the officiating ministers Reverend Canon Isaiah Phillip in delivering the sermon encouraged all to find consolation, comfort and support with each other and in a relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
He also issued a warning that because crime and violence are pervasive in nature, society should be prepared to do all in its power to ensure that the communities are non-violent.
He said crime and violence do not know colour nor political affiliation and advised that individuals need to cooperate more with the authorities and assist them in solving crime.
From the Playfield, a procession of hundreds of individuals and vehicles flowed along the St. Peter’s main road and ended at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church yard where Broadie was interred.
Broadie lost his life on the evening of November 1 and according to reports, he was reportedly plying the western bus route somewhere between Dieppe Bay and St. Pauls when an armed individual attempted to rob him and shot him in the process. He died on the scene.
“Kevin the co-worker was intellectual and dedicated, Kevin the bus driver was laid back and compassionate, Kevin the friend was loyal and intuitive, Kevin the nephew was caring and engaging, Kevin the cousin was generous and protective, Kevin the brother was tender and strong, Kevin the son was respectful and devoted, Kevin the father was loving and proud, Kevin the man was versatile, friendly and well-loved.”
