Photos & Videos: Vigil In Memory of James Lawes
[Updated with videos] This evening [Mar.21] a vigil was held at Union Square on Dundonald Street, in memory of James “Junior” Lawes who was fatally shot in a triple shooting in the area one year ago. The gathering was also to support all families who have lost loved ones to gun violence, and to call for an end to the gang violence in Bermuda.
Just before 11pm on March 19, 2010, three men were shot during a drive-by shooting in the parking lot of Place’s Place, located on the junction of Court and Dundonald Street. The shooters drove up on the sidewalk and shot at the three men approximately over 10 times at very close range. All three men were rushed to the hospital, the other two recuperated, while Mr Lawes later succumbed to his injuries.
The 26-year-old, known as Junior, was a barber who had been married for only four months to his wife Greashena, the daughter of well-known community activist and former UBP Senator Gina Spence. Members of the Spence family are pictured below, wearing t-shirts saying “RIP Junior.”
The evening started with an opening by community activist Scott Smith, then Jimmy Denwiddi spoke, and Candace Furbert sang:
Erica Smith from the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation, and Dr Quinton Sherlock of The Family Center spoke briefly:
Gina Spence performed a dance routine which was well received by those in attendance. Before starting she told a story of how she planned to perform the dance at Mr Lawes’ funeral in his native Jamaica.
She said she gave the music to the Pastor, and they asked who was going to dance. She replied she was. They came back and said, “No, who is going to dance…you’re the mother-in-law.” She said again – she was – as God gave her the strength.
Mr Lawes wife Greashena Spence spoke asking for people to recall Mr Lawes family in Jamaica in their prayers, and also the families of other murder victims.
Gospel reggae singer DJ Missian, a native of Jamaica, performed to close the gathering
Politicians from all three political parties were in attendance; including Leader of the Opposition Kim.Swan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Michael Scott, BDA MP Shawn Crockwell and PLP Senator Cromwell Shakir. Dr Lou Matthews, educator and founder of ‘Rise Above Bermuda’ was also present.
Politics were put aside, as the gentlemen warmly greeted each other, and participated in the ceremony. Minister Scott spoke, saying that the Government and Opposition both express their condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and Opposition Leader Kim.Swan also spoke briefly – calling for people to keep God in their lives. Both gentlemen commended the organisers of the event, and participated in the circle of prayer at the end.
As the vigil ended and the crowd dispersed, strains of Troy Anthony’s song ‘Stop the Black on Black Killing’ could be heard.
The prevalance of black on black killing was noted during the gathering, with Scott Smith reading a story that has circulated for a while in which a letter — purported to be from the KKK – is left on the bed of a black prisoner.
It begins by saying, “The Klu Klux Klan would like to take this time to salute and congratulate all gang bangers for the slaughter of over 4,000 Black people since 1975. You are doing a marvelous job. Keep killing each other for nothing.”
It goes on to celebrate the death of black men saying, “You are doing a wonderful job in eliminating the black race” and tells the gang bangers to “Keep up the good work. We love to read about drive-by shootings.”
The event was organised by the group ‘Colfords Family Against Violence.’ The newly-formed organisation’s motto is “Stop the Silence End the Violence,” and was formed after 29-year-old Colford Ferguson was murdered last month. Keona Smith, Mr Ferguson’s cousin, has been instrumental in organising the vigils and was warmly commended for this by the Spence family and others.
The murder of Mr Lawes remains unsolved, and the case remains open. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-8115 or the independent 24 hour confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477. Anonymous tips can also be sent via the Crime Stoppers Bermuda website.
Read More About
Category: All, News, News, Photos, Videos
That was a beatiful way to remember her husband’s MURDER, & it’s such a shame that the criminal who did this does not have a conscious to turn his coward AZZ in! Grey continue to hold your husband’s name up high. And i will continue to pray for you & your families strength, especial for James’s family & your son.
IF YOU KNOW THE COWARD OF ANY OF THESE CRIMES, TELL THEM BE A REAL MAN OR WOMAN & FESS UP!
Simply Beautiful.
Thank you God for your loving kindness towards us and giving us all strength to look beyond any negativity that we may currently see.