THE LAST DAYS

Throughout this tragedy, the young adults of the Bay Cedar community in Sea Breeze encountered many obstacles; however, unity was our strength in a time of uttermost despair. I will simply start with the day before.

In this community, everything always starts at noon. As usually, Cameron was the first one under the “big tree” in named brand apparel, unlike the rest of us who had an unkempt appearance. Cameron knowing that he only had a week left in the Bahamas boldly made a promise to everyone present that he will be spending more time in the neighborhood and with his girlfriend instead of partying all the time and making new foes. Later in the evening, Ms. Deveaux ironically told Cameron to come out of the road before he gets knock down. With Cameron doing his famous high-pitched laugh, we quickly dismissed his mother’s notion .

The familiar noise of a scooter was not heard today because Ding had many things to do since his mom went on a cruise; he and his sister had the house all to themselves. Was a house party in the making? Who knows!

Cameron’s last conversation with me took place in his home. We was talking about our plans for the future, with him being the next Maurice Greene and me Bill Gates…He vision going to St. Mary’s in Canada for his tertiary education and began reminiscing about all the good times he experienced over there…

At 6 p.m. in the evening, Angelo, a close friend, told a few persons sitting under the “big tree” that Cameron and Ding was in an accident. They never thought anything was serious because Ding was always getting minor bruises and soars from riding the scooter. Later that evening, I received a disturbing telephone call at 8 p.m. from Ding’s girlfriend. Her sister was on the telephone talking to me, asking if it was true that Ding had died. At that moment, shivers ran through my entire body, as I was speechless for a minute or so. I told her that I did not know. She asked me if Larry, my brother, would be all right, which made me confused since he was away in Florida. I told her that I would call her back. I called a neighbor and asked if Ding was dead. He said he believes something terrible happen because the C.I.D (similar to the F.B.I) was looking for Cameron’s mom.

I immediately ran outside to the “big tree” with tears filled in my eyes. I told them that Ding might be dead. Everyone hopped in there cars with “disbelief” written all over their faces.

At the hospital, two cars pulled up carrying fifteen individuals. We immediately rushed in the emergency section of the government owned Princess Margaret Hospital. The atmosphere was crowded and filthy with many persons staring in our faces. One of us, became irate and started using coarse language to get the attention of a qualified employee to demand some answers. When the guard came, all of us started asking questions at the same time. Lamar asked the security guard to tell him where is the room of Cameron and Dinge. The guard had a sneer look on his face and said, “ Oh, the bright young man will make it to see tomorrow but the one with the dreadlocks was sent straight to the morgue. Anymore questions?”

We made such a big commotion in the hospital that we were told to leave. Some of us lay in the road in the state of despair, others were just crying. All of us knew who was responsible and our first and understandable instinct was to avenge Ding’s death.

Back under the “big tree,” there were long moments of silence. How could this be, Ding was here and now he is gone: just like a candle in the wind. Just then, Harvey, Cameron’s neighbor, came out of a car and started walking down the road towards us. When he approached us, his speech was obscure but then it finally sanked in that Cameron had died at 9:45 p.m. It was devastating to realize that two of your friends who you grew up with when you were a baby had passed away.

The hardest thing we accepted was that we felt somewhat responsible for their deaths. Nearly every day, Cameron, and Ding had another thrilling story to say-only telling you the major part while leaving out a few minor but important details. We knew that a maroon-colored Corsica was always parked outside Cameron’s house in the morning when going to work and that persons was calling his house threatening to kill him. In addition, a rock was smashed in the front windshield of his mom’s car, that individuals brandished their guns to Ms. Deveaux and we knew that a person in a black Maxima tried to knock Cameron down yesterday.

Ironically, Cameron was leaving next week Sunday to go back to Nova Scotia, Canada and Ding was going off to college in two weeks. With a twinkle of an eye, these two beloved individuals vanished from the face of the earth. We had a vigil that entire night/early morning.

No one went to work on Friday or Monday. Some was too drunk and others were simply distraught. The news of their deaths was already around the island, with many versions as to how they died and for what reasons. The thing that was most troubling was that persons were boldly saying that they were glad that those two people died-to put it mildly. Other persons who was known to have vibes with Ding and Cameron, called us saying that it was not them and how they wanted to be involved in our plans.

What was most disturbing is that, the same black Maxima that tried to knock Cameron the day before he died, pulled up in the yard of the “big tree.” He came outside and was talking to Herbie, giving him his sympathy. At that time, another person came out of the car trying to instigate a fight but nothing happened. They left and Herbert said he saw guns, which they had hidden in their back pocket.

A few days later, all we did was reminisce about the times we shared with Cameron and Ding. What made everyone laugh about Cameron was the fact that his dad asked him if he wanted a car, he said no- all he want is a beeper! And for Ding, his silly antics. He would always do something to annoy you and then a few minutes later, will come cuddly up under you like nothing never happen. His personal satisfaction was seeing you get frustrated at him.

On Saturday, a wake was held at Cameron’s house. It was well attended by many family and friends. Conscience and sentimental music that Cameron loved was being played. However, close friends were disturbed when Cameron’s girlfriend showed up to his house. She quickly left though. (At that time, many persons were angry with his girlfriend because the incident started from her home.)

You can go to the funeral section for all of the details of Cameron’s funeral.

After the pastor finished his sermon, many young individuals gave their life to Christ, which was satisfying.

Later that evening, there was a gathering of friends at the “big tree." It was well attended by many. However, around the hours of 9 p.m., six bullets were fired which startled many, which I thought was irreverent to Cameron.

These two days were hard for everyone. Although, school and college opened on Monday, no one decided to attend. We just came together and were speechless for the entire two days.

You can go to the funeral section for all of the details of O’ Dinge’ s funeral.

The priest sermon was very disturbing as he ridiculed the religion that Dinge was alleged to be a member of. Contrary to popular beliefs, Ding was not a Rastafarian but a “dread” which is someone who styles their hair in “that manner” simply for fashion. Ding was a Christian and as a matter of fact, he was going to cut his hair before going off to college. In any event, his funeral was well attended by many. 

Miraculously, the gathering under the “big tree” was not disturbed.