
The murder of Nicole Harrison-Watson remains fresh in the minds of Barbadians, and in particular the Ferniehurst community. When death comes to a young person, Nicole was 37, it always seems to twist our emotions.
To the credit of Nicole’s friends, neighbours and workmates her death galvanized them to stage a vigil to her memory. It was meant to be an occasion for friends to remember her by creating a serene atmosphere in the community which knew her best. It did NOT happened as planed much to the chagrin of those from the neighbourhood.
Unfortunately the political candidates for St. Michael North West Messrs Sinckler and Nicholls, along with the CP and UDC fraternity intervened, and in the process annoyed a community which only wanted to express its grief. Those present got to hear the expressions of disgust which were targeted mainly at Sinckler. What the night’s event exposed was the inability of some who should know better to demonstrate a required level of emotional intelligence. The vigil was not a time to be perceived as trying to secure political mileage. This is not to say Nicole was not known to Sinckler or Nicholls. The nature of this event required the politicos to step back and let the community do what communities are suppose to do.
Why the hell should Sinckler have to chaire the vigil? Why did the BLP candidate feel constrained to write a note to persuade Sinckler to give him a chance to say a few words? The people who organised the event barely made it to the late Nicole’s porch to say a few words, and only did so at the insistence of the BLP candidate. Why should such insensitivity had to be demonstrated at such an event?
It is the community now that Nicole has gone who will have to lend support to her family. To usurp the role of the community has only served to disrupt a process which is better placed to provide comfort to the family. What was the value in making such an announcement except to engage in cheap politicking?
The large crowd would have been impressed by Sinckler’s ability to quote the bible, well done! BU understands Sinckler is a Christian.






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