BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN memory and honour of their fallen comrade, Kevin ‘Broadie’ Newman, members of the bus associations across the island have organised a motorcade for this afternoon (Nov. 6) which is to culminate with a candlelight vigil.
Newman lost his life tragically on Saturday evening (Nov. 1) while plying the west line bus route. He, according to reports, was shot during a robbery attempt and died on the scene. the incident occurred in the White Gate area (between Dieppe Bay and St. Pauls.
President of the West Line Bus Association Dale Hughes told this publication that after Newman’s death, the associations considered an appropriate way to pay tribute to their fellow bus operator and the motorcade and vigil were suggested. He explained the route the motorcade is expected to take.
“We thought about finding some way in which we would show respect. Because it happened on the west route, we thought about the idea of starting over by his parents’ residence over in the vicinity of Lower Cayon just beside the ball field. So we are going to leave there, travel along the Island Main Road into Basseterre, travelling along the bus route going into Sandown Road, into the Bay Road and travel west along the Bay Road, along the bus route, over to Dieppe Bay with our flashers on and tooting horns, but not too much to disturb the public. In our best way we will try to keep the free flow of traffic.
Following the motorcade, a candlelight vigil and a brief ceremony would be held at the scene of the incident, Hughes informed.
He said Newman’s relatives have been invited to the event and have agreed to attend. He also indicated that members of the public are welcomed to participate in both legs of the event.
“We would gather at the area and have a brief ceremony, lay a wreath or two in recognition of Mr. Newman. The general public is also invited. Who wants to join in the procession is invited."
Asked if the motorcade would affect those who use public transportation in getting to and from their homes, Hughes indicated that he doesn’t envisage that it would especially because, “I don’t expect that if there are 100 busses that all would join because even when we were in solidarity, there were guys moving back and forth so it is likely that some busses would be on the road to take passengers where they need to go."
