TAKING TIME out from their usual morning routine, staff and students of Alleyne School paid tribute in a memorial service to Nikkita Belgrave and Tiffany Harding, two of the school’s former students who perished in the Tudor Street, Bridgetown fire tragedy on September 3.
Some hung their heads and allowed the tears to flow freely, while others solemnly listened to inspirational Scripture readings and messages that sought to reflect on the lives of their “lost ones”.
Reverend Trevor Hoyte, a member of the school’s board, led the service and encouraged those present to use their moments wisely, accept the past, honour the present and believe they have a future.
Noting that strength and courage knew no gender, he said: “It is very important for us this morning to note that how we handle this dark moment in our lives depends on where we are spiritually. I hasten to remind you, and I don’t want you to ever forget, that words are weak symbols of our true emotions when we are grieving . . .we need to be strong for each other. It is not time to be spineless,” said Hoyte.
He reminded the students and staff to “appreciate people while you have them; whether its your mom, dad, teachers . . . because a time may come when all you have left is memory. Take time to listen to people.
“When people come to you and they are sharing with you a very serious problem, don’t push them away . . . because, a few minutes after you push them away, they might go and do something silly.
Acting principal Cheryl Wade reported that thus far, students had reacted calmly to the tragedy. However, she pointed out that she did not believe the same behaviour being expressed now would be exhibited on the day of the funeral services.
“Like the rest of Barbados, I was in shock. I taught both of those girls. The form teacher of Tiffany was telling me that Tiffany was a girl who loved life. They wanted to be here with us still. But we have been robbed,” Wade said.
