Jackie Agustus an Other Victim of the Curse of the BPS

Once again the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has suffered another lost; once again, another faithful servant of and to the Bermuda Police Service, has fallen victim to the curse that has been plaguing that institution for many decades now; a curse that has taken the life of  hundreds of employees and ex-employees of the Bermuda Police Service. Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Augustus: the Bermuda Police Service tailor/seamstress who was responsible for fitting and outfitting the members of the BPS in their uniform is now dead. She is the most recent person to be added to the list that make up the statistic, of people associated with the BPS and who fulfilled her assignment on the compound of the BPS, who was devastated by sudden, unexplained, critical illness and she subsequent scummed to her illness. 

Like Sergeant of Police Gary Young and hundreds of others before him, Ms. Augustus was strong, capable and able person when she was diagnosed with cancer and within one month of her diagnosis she rapidly deteriorated and died. Jackie took her last breath on Sunday 22nd August 2010, and in the process, she found relief from her suffering.

To Jackie’s friends and family she was a helpful, caring, faithful, and a loving person who they could have relied upon in time of trouble and when they had other needs; however, to the cold Government of Bermuda and the frigid management of the Bermuda Police Service; Jackie was just another number on the pay role. Now she had graduated and will become just another number on the statistic sheet of BPS employee who contracted cancer, other terminal, or life-threatening disease, suffered and subsequently die.

Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Augustus had a memorial service, her friends, family and employers had many good things to say about her; she was buried now we all are wait for the next victim (BPS employee or BPS Ex-employee) to fall pray to what ever environmental condition is causing the member of this institution to become critically ill and suddenly die.

Is the cause of the illnesses to hard to find/discover? Or is it a case of; I am in good health and my family are not affected so why should I care?

It is important that we remember, Andrew Thomas, Paul Marsden, Timothy Herbert, Gary Young, Jackie Augustus and the others who have meet their untimely death, did not have nothing to worry about, for they were all healthy; that is, until they became ill and were forced to stare death in the face.

I wrote to many institution (health and other institutions) in Bermuda; I did so, in an effort to rally support for my ex-colleagues; the members of Bermuda Police Service, in relation to the plight they are faced with. I received a response from the highest political authority on the island: the office of the Premier, who assured me they were looking into the issue as it related to the sudden, tragic illnesses and death of the men and women in the Bermuda Police Service.

There are two things we can all agree on, and they are:

• Something is terrible wrong.
• It is critical that it is look into immediately.

Carl Neblet; it is time you wake up from your conscious sleep, rally the members of the Bermuda Police Association; the organization that you have been leading (some say down the wrong path) for more than a decade now and make some serious demand upon the Government of Bermuda and the Bermuda Police Service. It is criminal to ask healthy people to work in an environment that is killing them. This cannot be allowed to continue for your inactivity is killing innocent men and woman. Carl you ought to be careful, for the life you are going to save, may very well be your own.

Katrina Lanay "Trins" Flood: Please Rest in Peace and May your Children be Blessed

 

While perusing the Royal Gazette today, I came across a story that was captioned: Woman becomes Island seventh road death. It was saddening to learn that it was my dear friend Katrina Layna "Trins" Flood who met such a sad, sudden and tragic death. Unfortunately; she die on the 12th June, 2010, while recovering at the KEMH from injuries sustained from an accident she had seven days earlier.

I got to know Katrina Flood, who was only twenty eight years old when she die; through a police related incident. Although I knew Katrina was not driving the car that committed the traffic violation, for which she was ticketed; she choose to take the rap for her friend who was driving the said vehicle without a driver license. Unfortunately there was nothing we could have done to prove the contrary. But that is the type of person I have come to know Trins to be; one who will go the extra mile for her friends.

From my interaction with Katrina while dealing with the Traffic Violation, I dubbed her the respectful rebel. For although Katrina resisted out counsel and the ticket which was given to her, she did so with respect and with humor; it was because of this experience that I was forced to admire her and as a result; I quickly became friends with Katrina and her traffic violating complies.

Although Trins and I was not best buddy, we had a common bound and a mutual understanding; which was base on respect for each other. I have had many conversations with Katrina and at times she will seek me out, for my opinion on different matters. As my custom is, I will be frank and honest with her, not telling her what to do but guiding her into making the correct decisions. Like each of us, Katrina Flood was not perfect; she was a down to earth person, who was straightforward in expressing her thoughts and she was good by nature. She was very knowledgeable about the Bermuda under world and its activities.

Katrina’s childhood experience of losing a mother at a very tender age, which went untreated, left her traumatized. The psychological trauma that she had to bore, at times got the better of her and was responsible for her early rebellion. I can associate with Trins, for like her, I was the baby of the family and I also lost my mother at the tender age of seven years old, to death.

The last time I saw Katrina, who always find pleasure in heckling me about something or sharing a laugh with me was in August 2008, (Just before I left Bermuda). She was working at the Market Place Mini Mart in the City of Hamilton. By this time Katrina would have surpass her detractors prediction for the length of time she would have hold onto the job at Market Place, to the point where she was training new cashiers, and supervising the other girls on the cash line. This accomplishment made me proud of Trins and I did not hesitate to let her know how proud I was of her achievements. I will challenge her to continue to do what she was doing and encourage her to aspire to bigger things. I had no doubt as to Katrina's ability to achieve anything she wanted too, for she was intelligent and street wise.

Although my mother prepared me for her death the emotional trauma was tremendous. I do not know what preparation Katrina’s mother made to cushion her children from the psychological impact of her death but as I have experienced there is no preparation that can adequately prepare a child of tender age for the death of his or her mother.

Because of Katrina’s sudden and tragic death, I am forced to conclude that she may not have prepared her children for her death. The foregone conclusions give raise new concerns, about Katrina’s kids. Now I am very concerned about Katrina’s children, for it is very possible that they may not get the type of psychological care and love that is needed to help them to cushion the impact of losing a mother at such a young age. There are no substitute for a mother’s love, but continuous love, care, and positive vocal and touch re-enforcement can surely go a long way to help children in such situation that Katrina’s children are, to have a successful journey on the road of normalcy.

To the sisters of Katrina whom I know very well and the other members of the family please accept my deepest sympathy. I am requesting that you do what you can to let Katrina Lanay “Trin” Flood children be a living positive memory of who their mother was and what she was surely aspiring to becoming.

Gary "Guppy" Young; May You Rest In Peace

Once again the Bermuda Police Service has lost another presumable healthy young man from a sudden illness. The Police Sergeant (PS) Gary Young who is affectionately know by all as “Guppy” Young did not meet his sudden death accidentally as is common for people of his age but was another victim of a sudden illness that has been plaguing so many police officer of the Bermuda Police Service both serving and retired. A concern for which no one seem to care (not the Bermuda government, not the management of the Bermuda Police Service nor the Bermuda Police Association) and have for too long gone unattended

SP Young was a soft spoken; well mannered and friendly gentle man who did not care too much for stress; thus he did not waste time worrying over the things he had no control over and encouraged his men to do the same. I can say without a doubt that he was a helper, he will go out of his way to make the people around him comfortable, he will perform the duties for his constable to ensure that he meet a doctor’s, family or other important appointment.

Although Sergeant Young was not a big talker, he was one of those supervisors who had jokes and very often he will break the tension and stresses of the job with a good joke and everyone present will have a good laugh compliments of SP Young. He also loved to dish out a good heckling but he was careful not to go over board.

Because Mr. Young was a private man, who kept his private and professional life seperate in the same way most of us do, I cannot speak of his family and social life, but for what I know he did good by me and by most of the people he came into contact with. It is with this in mind that I am taking this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of PS Young, his close friends and beloved colleagues. Brother Young may you rest in the arms of Jesus and may that rest be in peace?

*Unfortunately I do not have a photo of PS Young if you have a photo of Mr. Young can you email it to me at allanp460@hotmail.com so I can post one with the article

Julian Hall: A Bermudian Intellectual Icon

........Julian Hall A Bermudian intellectual Icon......Photo from Google picture

When my friend Nelly informed me of Julian Hall’s death, I became engulfed with disappointment. I was disappointed for several reasons; reasons which I will go into a little later. Like any good and reliable writer, I did my ground work to confirm the information that was relayed. I later confirmed that Julian was actually pronounced dead about two hours ago.

I can remember when I first heard of Julian Hall, I did not believe all of the wonderful things about him, the disturbing stories about his tribulation and of the brilliance that characterized the man. My disbelief of Julian’s talent was based on the fact that, in most quarters in Bermuda, mediocrity is promoted and held in reverence.

I can remember my first encounter with this Bermudian Icon of brilliance. It was while performing extra (police security) duty at the Bank of Bermuda on Church Street, in the City of Hamilton; but what left the greatest impact and actually converted me as an admirer of Julian Hall was: the speech he made at the 2006 Labor Day rally which was held at the Bernard’s Park. despite his troubled pass he spoke valiantly and without fear. I was amazed by his eloquence, the clarity of mind that was exhibited in his discourse, the logical arguments he made, the love he had for his people, but more so the valiant level of courage he exhibited in challenging the status que that try to secure his demise as an individual, a lawyer, a politician, a labor activist etc. I also listened with interest to the recording of the dynamic speech Julian delivered at the P. L. P’s convention a year or so later.

I have heard of Julian’s rise, his fall and the evil plots that was executed against this man to control and mussel him, yet he defy those who try to silence him, he stood proud and worked for his people. His close political allies disliked his independence of mind and his free will; his political opponents disliked the same qualities; yet when they were in his presence they had no choice but to put away the petty jealousy they harbored in their heart and treat him with the dignity and respect he demanded and deserved.

Julian spent his final years working hard to clear his name of allegations of dishonesty and to change the idiotic law that make it impossible for bankrupt lawyers to practice their profession in Bermuda. This law literally denied this patriotic son of the soil the opportunity to adequately earn a living in the land of his birth.

Many people in different places will want to cast stone at Julian now that he is dead; but like Julian each of us have made bad/poor decisions and mistakes; unfortunately for some, their mistakes and bad decisions were/are highlighted and affects their life adversely. Does that means that we or you are better than the other man or woman because his or her mistakes may have landed them in trouble and your bad decisions, illegal acts and or mistakes did not have such an impact on you? Remember what is in the dark will soon come into the light.

In the Bible Jesus the son of Jehovah said “he who is without sin cast the first stone;” I therefore dear anyone who was intimidated by Julian Hall’s intelligence, his determination, his eloquence, his free will and his love for all Bermudian (even those who designed his political, legal, professional and other downfall) to cast the first stone.

There are not much people that I admire but I admired Julian’s brilliance, his boldness, his courage but most of all I love Julian’s will to fight even against the odds.

Let me take this opportunity to convey my condolence to Julian’s family and the people of Bermuda on the lost of an intellectual icon. May you rest in peace Julian Hall; I hope your people (Bermudians) remember you always.

Michael Jackson: "The King of Pop" Is No More

By now, the entire world had heard the sad news, the legend that was the King of Pop: Michael Jackson is no more; Michael who made a name for himself in the world of entrainment and who was considered the best performer ever, is now dead. But what made Michael Jackson such a big successful as a performer was his work ethics, his desire to be love and his perfectionist character.

Michael began as the lead singer of the first ever boy band: the Jackson Five, he was only five years when he began and he topped the charts at age eleven. The band was consisted of his four older siblings. Unfortunately none of his talented siblings that was apart of the boy band ever achieved the recognition or acclaim they had a group but Michael rocketed to mega-stardom.

Michael’s solo career began in 1972 with his first hit: Ben, which was followed by his first solo album “Off the Wall.” But he hit his peek as a performer in 1982, when he dethrone the legendary recording artist and performer Barry Manilow as the highest selling artist of all times, when he sold 27 million copies of the albums Thriller which owned him seven Grammy awards. Michael Jackson’s Thriller sold 16 Million more albums than Barry Manilow brst seller who held that record for quite a while.

The Thriller sensation revolutionized pop music in many ways. The Thriller album represented the marrying of many genre of music. Michael also revolutionized the way in which music were marketed; in that, he produced some of the most amazing, eye catching music videos which is considered cinematic work of art. These cinematic master pieces showcased his tremendous dance style and ability. Then came the albums: bad, dangerous and invincible unfortunately none of his later albums were as successful as Thriller.

Michael Jackson was not without his trouble, in 1993 and in 2004 there were allegations and child molestation charges brought against the music icon. One of which he settled out of court on the advise of his counsel, publicist and other advisors. However he pleased not guilty to the second allegation, which he fought, and was acquitted of in a court of law by a jury of his peers.

Although we may never know the truth about the allegations that was brought against Michael Jackson; I personally never believed they were true. I am of the opinion that Michael was a victim of imposed greed, a phenomenon that is widely spread today.

As a result of all of the nasty things that were said about this extraordinary and talented man, I wrote two articles in his defense, articles which were published in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines news papers; it was around this time that I penned this song.

Some say that I’m pathetic; some say I’m just a fool,
Some say that I’m eccentric, how could they be so cruel?
For all my faults and differences are what made me who I am.
I give you all the love I had, I though you will understand.

Cor. I give you my love; my all, I give the best I can.

........I give you my heart, my soul; I thought you’ll understand;
........With a broken heart, I give my love to you,
........With a broken heart I give my love to you.

You said, that I am troubled; you called me nasty names,
The lies you told about me, caused me agony and pain,
You forgot that I’m not perfect; I’ve got feeling just like you
Although you think I’m special, I hurt the way you do.

It is with a heavy heart that I take this opportunity to extend to Michael’s family, friends, and the entire world community my deepest sympathy. But most of all it is my hope that Michael’s was prepare to meet Jehovah.

Elder William Lester "Bill" Johnson R.I.P

............Elder William Lester "Bill" Johnson one of my adopted father

When I arrived in Bermuda some five years ago I came into contact with a wonderful group of people. Most who had taken on the difficult responsibility of making me feel at home, while on the island.

There were yet, within that group, an even smaller group that is very dear to my heart. These exceptionally special people surrounded me with their love and took on the awesome responsibility of providing me with parenting guidance; for which I will be eternally grateful.

Unfortunately, one of my fathers William Lester Johnson, who is affectionately known as Bill Johnson, the committed husband of Cynthia Johnson and the dedicated father of Tracy Johnson was laid to rest today.

For quite some time elder Bill Johnson was in a fierce bottle with a severe heart condition. I can assure everyone that Bill was not suffering from a broken heart; for in his time on earth, he was surrounded, by a wife who constantly cherished and cared for this stern yet soft spoken well mannered gentleman, a daughter who loved and did all in her power to make him proud of her, a church family (St. Georges Seventh Day Adventist Church) including Pastor Burton-Schnüll who often openly expressed their admiration him; but most of all, He has a heavenly father who loved him unconditionally and publicly demonstrated his love for him, with the numerous miracles he preformed in Elder Johnson's life. For on many occasions when the doctors had given up on Bill Johnson, and declare that there is no hope; Jehovah often defy the odds and ensure Elder Johnson’s make a full recovery: miracles which the St. Georges Seventh Day Adventist Church Elder were grateful for. After all Jehovah promises us that he will not allow us more than we can bear.

Bill Johnson, his wife Cynthia and his daughter Tracy had been good to me; they afforded me access to every thing they own. They showered me with love and appreciation, they also let me into their life, their heart and their home.

It is for this reason, that I take the pleasure to celebration Bill Johnson’s life, a man whom I love dearly. And it is with a heart of gratitude, that I solemnly bow my head and offer up a prayer to Jehovah, on behalf of Cynthia Bill’s wife and his daughter Tracy. I know they will miss him very much.

The only sorrow I feel, is for the people who had never had the opportunity to have been touched by bill’s life. Today I rejoice because all of my memory of Bill Johnson seems only to fill my heart with happiness and gratitude for the man who I will see on that bright and glorious morning when "the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall raise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Until then, my heart will go on singing, until them with joy I will carry on, until that day when I behold that city, until that day God calls me home.

George Jackson, My Prayers are with You and Your Family

When I was informed of the tragedy (son Andrew Jackson is brain dead as a result of a single vehicle accident) that struck the household of one of my nemesis Commissioner of the Bermuda Police Service George Jackson, I reflected on the lies he told on me with the sole purpose to have me suspended from the Bermuda Police Service, the instruction he gave to have my phone tapped and room bugged, the man power he dedicated to have me followed every where I went, the instruction he gave to have the carpet in my room drenched with water (which make the room unfit to live in) and the ton of other wickedness he did to me, that eventually lead to me submitting my resignation which marked my premature exit from the Bermuda Police Service; I cringed.

Although this period of reflection was overwhelming; I felt nothing but pity for him and the way he treated and had me treated, while I was a police officer under his command. I also became overwhelming with sorrow and sympathy for the terrible occurrence and state that Andrew is now in; and for what George Jackson and his family must be going through at this time.

No one really know or understand why sad and tragic events such as the one that happened to young Andrew take place but we have got to have faith that it was not all for naught. There is nothing much that I can say to ease the pain and suffering of the family of this young man at this point; but I can remind George Jackson and his family that there is a God who controls the events on earth and nothing ever happens without his permission and there is always a bigger picture and purpose to his plans.

In time of misfortune we must take comfort in the fact that Jehovah has promised that he will never allow us to suffer more than we can bear, he also promised that he will never leave nor forsake you and your family in your time of great despair. We all have a tendency to refuse his help, his comfort his guidance and his love when tragedy hits us but Jesus will continue to pursue us.

Let me take this opportunity to reassure you and your family that you are in my prayers. It is my request that Jehovah will grant you and your family the wisdom to look to him in your time of need, also may the angels keep watch over Andrew as he relax in a state of unconsciousness; and may the wisdom of God be with you and your family while you work though this time of difficulty.