Hill Family On ‘Deeply Insensitive Decision’
The family of the late Kellon Hill released a statement in response to the OBA’s decision to announce Kellan Lewis as a candidate for the upcoming election, calling it “shocking and deeply insensitive.”
Mr Lewis – who the OBA announced as a candidate for Constituency 32 — was convicted in connection with the death of Kellon Hill, who was fatally stabbed in 2008 when he was only 18-years-old. Multiple people were charged in connection with his death, however only Mr Lewis, who was a teenager at the time of the crime, was convicted.
The full statement from the family said, “It is with deep pain and anguish that we, the family of the late Kellon Hill, address the shocking and deeply insensitive decision to present an individual involved in the heinous crime that took Kellon’s life as a candidate for public office.
“In August 2008, our beloved Kellon was taken from us in the prime of his life, just days away from beginning his freshman year at university. His brutal murder at the hands of five individuals robbed us of a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, and a friend. It also left a permanent scar on our family and community, as we endured the agony of a court process that delivered manifestly inadequate sentencing for those responsible.
“Over the past 16 years, our family has borne the weight of grief and injustice. Not one of the perpetrators has reached out to us to express genuine remorse or to make amends for their actions. Instead, we have been left to cope with the immeasurable loss of a young man full of potential, whose light was extinguished far too soon.
“The decision by the OBA to roll out one of these individuals as a viable candidate for public service is a gross insult to the memory of Kellon and to our family. While we firmly believe in the power of rehabilitation, we also believe that true rehabilitation requires accountability, responsibility, and a willingness to face the consequences of one’s actions.
“To date, this individual has made no effort to engage with our family or to address the pain and suffering caused by their involvement in Kellon’s death. The lack of consultation with victims’ families in such matters demonstrates a troubling level of insensitivity and a failure to understand the core principles of justice and rehabilitation. Public service requires integrity, accountability, and trust, qualities that cannot exist without first taking responsibility for past actions and making meaningful amends.
“Every day, Kellon’s mother, father, siblings, nieces, and nephews struggle with the reality of his absence. His voice was silenced by an unconscionable act, and it is our duty to speak on his behalf. We categorically oppose this decision and call on the political organization to reexamine its judgment.
“We urge those responsible to ask critical questions:
- “How has this individual demonstrated accountability and remorse?
- “What actions have been taken to make amends with the victims’ family and the community?
- “How does this decision reflect the principles of justice and rehabilitation?
“As we remember Kellon, we ask for a higher standard of responsibility and compassion from those who aspire to lead. True rehabilitation begins with acknowledgment of harm and making things right with those who have suffered.
“Anything less dishonors the memory of the lives lost and the families left behind. We stand as a family in firm opposition to this decision, speaking not only for ourselves but for Kellon, who is no longer here to speak for himself.”
Bernews asked the OBA for comment this morning and will update as able.
Update 10.19am: OBA Leader Jarion Richardson said, “The One Bermuda Alliance stands behind its decision to roll out Kellan Lewis as its candidate in constituency 32, Southampton West. He is a dedicated and loving father, a community activist, and author. He paid his debt to society and there is no reason to hold it against him. What message would that send to the community, if we did?
“The One Bermuda Alliance is comprised of a cross section of members within the community, something that we are proud of. Mr Lewis has proven that your past does not define your future, and when you choose a positive path in life, nothing can stand in your way of blazing a trail.”
