“THERE IS A feeling of Christmas in the air . . .” Yet, the past week has been a sad one.
While Barbadians join others across the world celebrating this Yuletide season, spreading cheer and sharing gifts, some families have been forced to grapple with the loss of loved ones.
It was that kind of sadness that tugged at the heart strings of our online readers who sympathised with the grieving.
When fireman Christopher Edwards was electrocuted in Station Hill, St Michael last Wednesday night, there was an outpouring of sympathy from our readers.
One said: “This is so sad. We must all live each day as if it is our last as we don’t know when our time will be up. My condolences go out to this family and to his colleagues at the Barbados Fire Service.”
Barbados also recorded a road fatality when cyclist Tito Bradshaw died on Goodland Main Road, St Michael, last Thursday, and Barbadians were moved to extend sympathy to his family.
Readers were also swift in responding to the posting of the Nation’s picture of the accident scene with the cyclist. There were mixed views on whether it should have been posted.
One reader said: “Facebook would-be reporters and directors have posted worse pictures and videos of other tragedies, [and] lawless behaviour including an almost lynching, fights and cussing and most of us have viewed and shared them.”
In response to the views against using the picture, we pointed out that the Nation takes its responsibility to readers very seriously and in no way tries to be insensitive or sensational.
Then last Saturday, Barbados lost a pioneer in the local motor racing fraternity – John “Tiny” Harrison. Again, online readers reached out to his family with their condolences.
“John Harrison will be missed deeply. He was a good person. I can’t believe he is really gone. My love goes out to his family,” wrote one reader.
On that same day, Dr Winston Tyrone Gittens, an associate professor of education at Minnesota State University, died at the Grantley Adams International Airport after returning home late Friday night to celebrate Christmas with his family.
Dozens of readers also responded to the story that Pastor Jippy Doyle, whose conviction for rape of a 13-year-old girl was replaced by one of indecent assault, will be out of jail by next month. Many were upset with the decision of the Appeals Court and let their displeasure be known.
“I want to appeal this decision,” said one reader.
One female reader also stated: “What message is this sending to rape and victims of other types of sexual assault? This is the most disturbing news of the year. I absolutely do not understand the rationale behind this one.”
On a lighter note, we asked our readers to say what they loved most about Christmas.
Many responded and helped to spread some Christmas cheer. I would also like to join in wishing all our readers Merry Christmas!
• carolmartindale@nationnews.com
