Gingerland –Nevis-Apparently, the Police were not informed that there was scheduled a huge funeral in the Gingerland area, on Thursday 7th April.
So it was, that traffic in the vicinity of the Gingerland Methodist church, was constantly backed up during the course of the afternoon.
This was the case due to the fact that scores of individuals showed up as a show of solidarity to the family of the late Everette Edroy ‘BIG ROY’ Byron, whose funeral service was held on that same day.
The officiating Ministers were Canon Alson Percival who delivered the invocation and Pastor Euclid Lawrence who delivered a soul searching sermon, during which he called on all listening to make their calling and election sure and to seek to live in harmony; love and peace.
He asked them to emulate the deceased who he informed had made the bold step prior to his death, to give his heart to the Lord.
Edroy’s older brother, Halstead ‘SOOTY’ Byron gave a sterling presentation in the form of a eulogy.
He indicated that as a boy, ‘Big Roy ‘was very industrious. A trait he took right into his manhood.
He noted that he was well loved by all, but more especially women, but was quick to point out, that he was not a WOMANIZER.
He was an exemplary father to his daughter Delca and also took keen interest in the general upbringing of the children of his siblings and others within the community.
As a model Civil Servant with some thirty –nine years of experience, older brother ‘SOOTY’ opined that he should have been given the task to conduct the Civil Service reform.
He then suddenly changed gears and indicated that he was going to do a ‘Daren Sammy” and indicated that BIG ROY .was unceremoniously sent home, ‘without being given the opportunity, to resign gracefully.’
Oscar Browne aka King Astro, then spoke glowingly of his work as President of the Nevis Domino Association. He indicated that ‘BIG ROY’ was not only the main organizer of Domino Tournaments Island –wide, but was also able to source sponsorship on a regular basis.
“‘Big Roy’ was Domino,’ he stated with some conviction.
The service was interspersed with lovely singing, which included the Cross Road Community Church, of which the deceased was a member.
Other tributes included presentations by the Inland Revenue Department and the Advent Minstrels String band.
The body was interred at the Gingerland Public cemetery.