BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A group of males in the St. Peter’s community have adopted a beautification spot in Upper Monkey Hill in memory of Devon ‘Rolla’ Morton and Colin ‘Cross’ Merchant, who lost their lives through violence, with an objective to foster a sense of togetherness amongst the residents of that community.
Last Saturday morning (Oct. 6), SKNVibes visited a designated area, found at the upper side of ‘De Bridge’, and observed the men, mostly from Upper Monkey Hill, Lower Monkey Hill, Parray’s Village and Stapleton Housing Project, as they were involved in landscaping, removal of garbage and green waste as well as the planting of flowers.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party candidate for St. Christopher Eight, Dr. Terrance Drew, was also present, as he gave a helping hand towards the cause.
Oneil Liburd shared that the group had comprised individuals who basically “know each other” and had come together for the community-spirited initiative.
Another member, Pay Pay, told this media house that the project is “good for the community and the people living here to keep the area looking nice” while another, Deshorn Monzac, said “it is a good thing in bringing joy and peace in the place…a lil unity”.
Speaking with this media house, Dr. Drew praised the efforts of the young men for the concern and care shown in the community.
“The work this morning demonstrates that when the community comes together they can achieve a lot. And to see these young men coming out here and giving back to their community, in terms of beautification to uplift the scenery and improve the standard of living, says a lot about them and their commitment…and I give them a lot of credit for that.”
Highlighting the memorial aspect of the project, Dr. Drew said it shows that the two young men were “ in the hearts of the people of Upper Monkey, the people of St. Peters, and it's an excellent way of remembering them and carrying on their legacy of love, respect and unity”.
The late Devon Morton (28) succumbed to gunshot injuries at the JNF General Hospital on January 25, 2011, 15 days after he was shot in McKnight, while 19 –year-old Colin Merchant was stabbed to death on July 7, 2013 on the Frigate Bay Strip.
