Community Gather At Candlelight Vigil In Sandys
[Written by Patrick Bean]
Against the backdrop of Legends Bar, the scene of last Thursday’s murderous rampage, hundreds of Bermudians — most residents of Sandys Parish — gathered in solidarity, demanding an end to the scourge of gun violence.
Sorrowful hurt emanated from wounds yet fresh, with anger fueling a thirst for renewed peace and justice administered for lives lost in the carnage of senseless gunfire. The latest being that perpetrated by four ruthless people, which left in its wake five victims, including two fatalities — 32-year-old Jasmine Smith and 29-year-old Shaquan Williams — and three injured.
Laypersons, individuals young and old, political, church and community leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder in support of those grieving the loss of loved ones, while hearkening a return to normalcy.
Even as they continued to grapple with the emotional fallout resulting from the tragedy, Kenneth and Carmalita Simmons remained resolute in their belief in the good of the Island’s young people, while vowing to continue efforts at providing them a viable, quality entertainment and economic incubation venue.
“My husband and I have opened our hearts and our building to these young people and I know that there are people who have their ideas and preconceived notions, but I’m telling you that We have a heart for our young people,” Mrs Simmons told the crowd lining Somerset Road. “We try to give them a safe space and jobs.
“We have young people who have started businesses in this building, so our hearts are very heavy tonight, yet we feel the support and thank you, the community, for your support.
“Not taking away from any of the victims, but we were also victims. My husband was also present, so this is healing for us, and we’re still going to continue.”
Drawing from the axiom, ‘Hurt people hurt people’, Mr Simmons likewise remained unbowed in the face of adversity.
“A week ago, I never envisioned something like this happening,” said Mr Simmons. “This country is in crisis.
“We lost two beautiful people.”
“But I’m thankful for being here and will not give up. I know my purpose is to serve and help young people in whatever way I can.
“This has been a hard week for everybody is and to take in what is happening here tonight is beautiful to see. I just wish this didn’t have to happen to give us a reason to come together.
“This could have happened anywhere in Somerset, anywhere in Bermuda.
“To those on the other side of this, I just want to say, ‘Nobody wins in this’. It’s a lose-lose situation when you choose that type of life to live.
“I want everyone to understand, because it’s key in what’s taken place, and that is that hurt people hurt people, and it was hurt people who did this.
“I talked to police officers about what these guys gain from all of this.
“It wasn’t about money. There wasn’t any money, property, or territory to be gained; nothing like that.
“And I came to the understanding that hurt people do this. They were hurting and thought that revenge could take away the hurt, but it can’t. It’s just pain on pain.”
As a means of enlightening those possessing an underdeveloped, immature psyche — one which regards revenge as a panacea to that which ails — Mr Simmons highlighted former South African president Nelson Mandela’s progressive response to having been unjustly treated as an example to follow.
“Nelson Mandela to me was the greatest leader to lead a nation,” said Mr Simmons. “When he got out of jail, everybody thought that after he had been kept in jail for 27 years, simply for being Black, that he would be bitter and seek revenge.
“But what he did upon his release was to form the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, ignoring his persecution, which was a hard thing to do.”
“For this count to move forward, we have to get these guys together, sitting down at the table to reconcile differences.
“It’s going to be hard because all of us know that forgiveness is one of the hardest things, but this is how this country can start to heal.
“To be able to see someone across the street who has done something to you and not do something to get back at them is difficult, but it has to be done if we are to move forward and find real peace and prosperity as a country.”
