BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HUNDREDS of mourners, including Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Sam Condor and Parliamentary Representative of Constituency Five the Hon. Shawn Richards, turned out yesterday (Oct. 21) to pay their last respects to accident victim Dexter Vernon James.
Following a very solemn thanks giving service officiated by the Reverend Hilton J. Joseph at the Zion Moravian Church on Victoria Road, Basseterre, James’ body was interred at the Springfield Cemetery.
On the night of Friday, October 8, 2010, the construction worker lost his life just one hour before he would have celebrated his 33rd birth anniversary. He and his three friends – Maurice Rawlins (23), Lasinto Bradshaw (22) and Damian Harris (23) – died on the spot after the vehicle of which Rawlins was the driver crashed in the vicinity of J’s Place in Romney Ground, Sandy Point.
The four friends, whom many said lived like brothers, were employees of Lennox Warner and Partner Construction Company.
Among the capacity crowd at Zion Moravian Church was a contingent from the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) and James’ mother, Ruthline, who noted that words could not express how much she would miss her only son.
“To my one and only son Dex, I am honoured to call you my son, as you were a caring and loving person and loved by all who ever crossed paths with you. Son, words can’t express how much I’ll miss you, but that’s no secret because we always ended our conversations by saying ‘love you’. Thirty-two years you lived and I can’t recall one day you never smiled. Even when the days are blue, you would still say something funny to brighten up my day.
“I’ll miss the days in town when you’ll kiss me whenever you see me or whenever you would lift me up. There’s no one like you and I am thankful that the Lord gave you to me! Dexxy, mommy will surely miss you!”
James, who hails from La Guerite Village but was at the time of his death residing in Bourkes Project, Sandy Point with his daughter Allianna and her mother Sandra, was described by his workmates and many other persons as a “very cheerful and hard-working individual who was always successful in making people laugh”.
“I’ve known Dexter for over 20 years…from when we were little boys running around La Guerite Village to adulthood. I can’t recall one single time I’ve seen Dexter in a dull or sad mood. He was always cheerful and had the ability to make everyone around just as cheerful, no matter their mood. He always succeeded in making you laugh. That was one of his many gifts and the one many will miss the most. You will be dearly missed Dexter James,” said Juni Dore.
His younger sibling, Beverly, also stated that words are not enough to express how she feels.
“It’s tearful hearing all the wonderful stories of my brother. Every day I question myself, ‘Dexter really gone?’ So full of life and energy...we were very close; never argued once. We were always the comedians to make mommy laugh. You were my protector growing up, my guardian when mommy was at work doing security, and my partner in crime alongside Rudy.
“I am going to miss the simple things like when you came to visit. Your presence alone made a huge difference. Before you reached the gate we could hear you and the boys coming, and you calling me those stupid names – Redbug, Red Che-Che or Red Ants. And if I refuse to answer, you would jokingly hit me with your heavy hands to provoke me. Every day I envision you, then I’ll start crying, but I can hear you telling me ‘Gul stop bawl’ because you were a happy person. I’ll miss you greatly.”
Among those Dexter Vernon James left to mourn his passing are: his daughter, Allianna Bowry-James; mother, Ruthline James; his father, Kenrick Clarke, who is a former member of the SKNDF; Sisters – Emelza James, Sandra James, Beverly James and Coretta France-Morris; brother, Glenson Hobson; and his child’s mother, Sandra Bowry.
The other three accident victims will be buried today in Sandy Point.
The management and staff of SKNVibes extend heartfelt condolences to the parents, daughter, other family members and friends of Dexter Vernon James at this time of their bereavement.
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