by Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter
Left: Members of the public joined the funeral procession on its way to the National Heroes Park yesterday. Right: Rain water rushes past the police bikes and other vehicles parked outside the Coke Methodist Church. -
norman grindley photos
The sweltering heat and subsequent showers did not prevent those who came to pay their final respects to the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley from doing just that.
Although many chose expressive and unconventional methods of showing their solidarity, none could doubt the sincerity of their emotions.
From as early as 1 p.m., hundreds of mourners lined the streets adjoining the Coke Methodist Church in downtown Kingston. Many made themselves comfortable by perching on the grills surrounding St. William Grant Park, while others found what seemed to be perfect vantage points atop high-rise buildings.
Shouts of 'PJ, PJ'
As time progressed, the crowd swelled, and with the arrival of politicians the excitement among the crowd intensified. The setting was like that of a red carpet premiere; as the 'celebrities' rolled in, the crowd went wild. Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson was greeted with shouts of "PJ, PJ!", while the police tried desperately to contain the crowd.
One woman was obviously angry at not being able to see Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and shouted at the cops, "Bout unnu a strike fi money, an nuh want wi see wi Prime Minister, go whe!"
Most vocal greeting
Perhaps the most vocal greeting was extended to Simpson Miller. As her car appeared around the bend, shouts of "Portia a come!", rang out among the gathering.
The over-eager bunch charged towards her car and a gracious Prime Minister waved at them. Comedian Oliver Samuels was also met with rousing cheers and shouts of "Oliver yu large."
As the service got under way, those outside joined in the singing of hymns. This reflective mood was quickly disturbed, however, when officials decided to throw out funeral programmes. This almost sparked a mini-stampede as people climbed over and stepped on each other just to get hold of one. "She dead pan mi son birthday", one woman exclaimed, "Jesus Christ, a July 26 mi son born!"
One pregnant woman standing outside was concerned with whether she would get inside the church. "You think dem wi let me in," she asked, "U tink so? Maybe dem wi gi mi a chance like how mi a baby mother."
Varying reasons
The supporters had varying reasons for turning out. Some came "just to look", while others had more personal reasons. One mourner, Patricia Martin, said, "Mi used to go pan Ring Ding when mi was eight, and if she have any show at Ward, I would go, so mi haffi come out. Mi a go put down di programme fi mi grandson."
The STAR met Althea and Karen, women who journeyed from St.Thomas and Portland respectively.
They justified their actions saying, "She do very good fi di country, she mek dem accept patois and bandanna an she always pleasant."
The puffs of clouds that formed above delivered what they promised, and shortly before 4 p.m., heavy rains, thunder and lightning sent the crowd scampering for shelter. Some sheltered in nearby buildings, while others stood under shop awnings. Some remained fixed and were determined to see the proceedings through to the end.
Waded barefooted
Many abandoned their shoes and waded barefooted through the water that was now flowing like a river. Nothing would stop them from sending off Ms. Lou.
This festive spirit continued up to Heroes Circle. Several residents of nearby communities lined the streets and children ran about excitedly.
No one was to be left out of the celebration, and a disabled woman was just one of many who were bent on participating. "Gertie, you wi jump di fence?" an elderly lady ask the handicapped woman. "Yes man," Gertie said, and ran off with the old woman.
Both successfully jumped the fence and went over into Heroes Circle where Miss Lou was finally laid to rest.
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