These were some of the ways St Lucian Nobel laureate Derek Alton Walcott was described at the funeral service for him held yesterday at the Cathedral Minor Basilica in Castries, St Lucia .

Walcott, who had been ailing for some time, died on March 17 at his home in St Lucia .

He was 87 .

Before the State funeral yesterday Walcott’s casket, which was draped over with the St Lucia flag, had been placed in the Parliament chamber for public viewing .

At about 1.50 pm, the police band started to play and the honour guard brought down his casket, being careful as they had to fit through the tight entrance .

The casket was placed inside a hearse and the procession began with the police in front followed by his relatives and close friends including his partner of almost four decades Sigrid Nama, daughters Anna and Elizabeth and his grandchildren .

Some of them held each other’s hands as they marched solemnly .

The streets were full of onlookers of all ages including schoolchildren in uniform. St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet greeted people and shook hands as he walked .

When the entourage arrived at the cathedral the casket was removed from the hearse and the honour guard bowed in respect. At the Derek Walcott Memorial Park opposite, people had gathered to watch the proceedings in tents .

Walcott was a Methodist but the service was conducted at the Roman Catholic cathedral .

Rev Seth Ampadu said the nation had lost one of the greatest sons of the soil not only for St Lucia but for the Caribbean and the entire world. He said St Lucians should come together and young people especially should learn from Walcott’s life and his sense of community, dedication and discipline “as we continue to build our nation.” Jamaican poet and professor emeritus Edward Baugh began the eulogy with the opening lines of Walcott’s poem Sea Grapes and said Walcott had gone to see his friends and family including his late mother and twin brother Roderick .

Baugh said Walcott’s achievement was more astonishing because it began at a time when there was no West Indian literature. He traced his career from reading his first poem in school at age 10 and said Walcott was always seeking to perfect his craft .

He noted that a few months ago, Walcott released his latest book of poetry Morning, Paramin in collaboration with Trinidad- based artist Peter Doig. Baugh recalled that following the launch in St Lucia three months ago, Walcott had to be rushed to hospital .

Baugh said Walcott helped the region to articulate its relationship with history and colonial memory and these themes also featured in his plays. He also noted his many achievements including his Noble Prize in Literature in 1992, his Humming Bird Medal Gold from Trinidad in 1969, being the first to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies (1973) and being knighted by St Lucia last year .

“We mourn and celebrate a genius who was a prodigy. A Caribbean man.” Baugh said Walcott was also a man with shortcomings, had been short-tempered but was also kind, generous, considerate of others, a loving father, a doting grandfather and a lover of corny jokes .

Monsignor Patrick Anthony in his homily said Walcott was in the class of Homer, Sophocles and Shakespeare and his work has been compared to the biblical prophet Isaiah .

“Derek has made our Caribbean voice immortal.”

“I would not know who did that to her,” Toolsie told Sunday Newsday before he went to collect chairs with relatives for the funeral service to be held at their home in Petersville, Felicity.

He was allowed to go home late Thursday night, after hours with the police following the discovery of Somai’s half-naked body with a black bag over her head in bushes behind houses along Felicity Main Road earlier that day. Somai, 23, went missing from their home after she said she was going to a parlour to buy a phone card on Tuesday night.

An autopsy on Friday revealed Somai, who has a four-year-old son with Toolsie, died from suffocation.

“Everything was above board.

Everything that needs to be said is already there. I was not interrogated but they ask me to come down by the police station,” Toolsie said as he stood with Somai’s sister Ria Rampersad and male relatives in the front yard making final funeral preparations.

Homicide detectives (Region 3) had asked Toolsie to go to the Chaguanas Police Station to assist them with the investigation.

Sunday Newsday learned yesterday that Toolsie was also taken to the homicide office in San Fernando. Investigators report Toolsie told them that after Somai left to buy the phone car he went with their son to a gas station.

His wife was not at home when they returned and her cellular phone was on the porch.

Detectives said they have not yet confirmed if Somai went to a parlour.

“I do not know what to say.

Everything has already been said and is all over the media,” Toolsie said yesterday, “I have nothing more to say more about what happened.” He said Somai would not have wanted media attention on her funeral.

“I just giving she want she wanted,” Toolsie said. Asked how was their son, Toolsie repeated he did not want to say anything more about his wife’s death.

However, Somai’s sister said the family told the little boy his mother had gone out and had not returned home as yet.

“I don’t know how he is going to hold up for the funeral,” Rampersad said. “Who would want to kill her like that? We need justice in this. We are struggling to cope.” On Somai’s Facebook page, several photos are posted with her, family and friends in happier times..”

Speaking to Sunday Newsday, Gray-Burke said: “They have not given us any money to celebrate.” Last year, Gray-Burke said the Council of Elders of the Spiritual Shouter Baptists had received some $40,000 from Government towards the occasion.

However, she could not say if any money would be forthcoming.

“I am not complaining. I am going ahead and doing meh business.” The former UNC senator said she had invited Spiritual Shouter Baptist contingents from throughout the Caribbean and North-America to participate in the observances on Thursday.

“I have people coming from Barbados and as far as Maryland and Pakistan,” she said.

Gray-Burke said she had already contracted nine buses to shuttle her guests to and from the Spiritual Shouter Baptist Empowerment Hall in Maloney at a projected cost of some $29,000.

The Baptist leader said her group also has invited Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to the celebration for which he is yet to reply. “We sent him two letters to him. But we not bothering,” she said.

Held annually on March 30, this year’s Liberation Day observances will commemorate the centenary of the 1917 Shouter Baptist Prohibition Ordinance, which had prohibited the activities of members of the faith. The Ordinance was repealed in 1951.

The Spiritual Baptist Shouter Prohibition Ordinance Centenary Commemoration Committee, meanwhile, will also host a celebration at Baptist Boulevard, Maloney, on Thursday. It includes a tribute to the leaders of the faith.

Committee member Reverend Hazel-Ann Gibbs-De Peza said centenary celebrations began last November with a media launch and Sankey Service at City Hall, Port-of-Spain and a Eucharistic service at Holy Mount Zion Spiritual Baptist Cathedral, Longdenville.

She said later this year, on November 18, the committee will host a Freedom March through the streets of Port-of-Spain, and this will be followed by the opening of a spiritual park on November 28 at Baptist Lands, Maloney.

Gibbs-De Peza said prior to the lifting of the Prohibition Ordinance, Baptists had faced untold hardship. “The faith suffered persecution and prosecution on a scale never before or since perpetrated on other citizens of this nation,” said Gibbs-De Peza, a lecturer at the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

Yet for the residents of Enterprise, Chaguanas, these provisions seem to ring hollow given a series of trends and developments in their neighbourhood.

Surely the residents want to have peace in their space.

But firstly, criminal gangs have taken root in the area, subverting the values of a democratic society founded on the rule of law and on the processes that govern our civic system. Secondly, in the wake of murders and acts of criminal violence, further disruption has taken root in the form of fiery protests.

After the murder of a local figure, residents on Friday began blocking access to John Street and surrounding roads with burning debris. Some fired flares and ignited firecrackers, creating a gridlock. Their motive has been described as outrage over the murder of 60-year-old Sylvan Alexis. The outcome of their actions, however, was more indiscriminate in its effect.

The fact is all residents of Enterprise have legal and moral rights. And members of the community have a right to occupy their homes and surroundings in peace. Yet, obstacle after obstacle is being placed in their way.

They are subject to lawlessness, wrought in one form or the other by gangs and criminals.

From all indications, the gangs are known to the authorities. Officials of the Ministry of National Security have been able to disclose the existence of a number of them to the country. In the case of Enterprise, it seems to be an open secret who the leaders of these gangs are or have been. Yet, to what use is this information being put? We can assume it is being put to some use by law enforcement authorities. But incidents like Friday’s make us question if enough is being done, or if the current efforts are working as they should.

Sadly, the Enterprise area seems to be on the boil yet again.

Just two weeks ago, on March 11, two men, Terrance “Boomy” Patrick and Christian Mohammed were shot while liming at the corner of John and School Streets. A man and a woman were also shot.

Last July, Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis was killed, along with a customer at his car wash. Various motivations have been ascribed to the perpetrators of that incident and incidents since. But criminal charges have been slow to be filed in court, despite several arrests. There must be some significance to the fact that this is the third member of the Alexis family including “Robocop” himself to have been annihilated in a hail of bullets.

With all of this going on, residents have been traumatized.

Though a temporary police post was installed, there have been calls from the Member of Parliament for the area Fazal Karim to have a permanent police station constructed.

“A police station will do a lot to comfort local people, compared to just the temporary police post,” Karim said on Friday night.

He also urged more joint police/ army patrols in the area.

Yet, a police station cannot be built overnight. Such an undertaking requires a procurement process as well as a careful design and construction period.

Furthermore, the presence of a police station alone, sadly, is no longer a deterrent to criminals.

While it may comfort residents, getting a handle on the crime situation nationally is what is required.

Otherwise, the crime will simply move from pillar to post, requiring new police stations here, there and everywhere.

Whatever action is taken, it is clear the residents are suffering.

The State has to approach this matter as seriously and urgently as required, mindful of the profound nature of the problem.

Persecution and fear are their intentions.

Khalid Masood’s murderous attack on the British Parliament typifies the elusive, suicidal bully.

Deaths, fear and barricades quickly escalated. Bully power.

What started me on this bully track is when I heard two weeks ago about “a nine-year-old boy beating up a teacher” at Tabaquite’s Santa Rita Primary School. Imagine that? Parents felt compelled to go on the streets to protest this nine-year-old bully. (Eventually called an eleven- old boy.) The school quickly became a scary place. Bully power.

He was also accused of regularly beating up other students as Education Minister Anthony Garcia expressed disbelief. And the parents protested against him, asking for an apology. Meanwhile, the bully boy is being counselled, even promised a caretaker aide. Imagine that.

Parent Savitri Persad said this “bully boy” habitually entered the girls’ washroom, harassing them.

Also choking other students. Imagine that.

What followed this “bad john” incident were the frightening headlines last Thursday. One front page screamed: Boy beaten to death. This 16-year-old Jesse Beephan of Waterloo Secondary School had his head reportedly crushed, then dumped into a nearby drain. Imagine that.

Another front-page added to the shock: Schoolboy murdered.

Then this other headline: Student beaten unconscious by classmates at Mayaro Secondary School. The Form Two victim and three others – all females – have been suspended for seven days. Imagine that. On information received, the Education Minister said, “all four students must share responsibility.” And again, parents protested this – caused by bully power. So, within a few weeks of school bullying, one student ended up with a broken hand, another beaten unconscious, and another murdered near school premises. Imagine that. A child goes to school to learn.

Today, parents are frightened. The effects of bully power against school authority. It continues with a fed-up mother running down a bully who allegedly choked her daughter. Friday’s front-page shouted: Mayhem.

And while parents looked for remedy, up came the Teaching Service Commission claiming that absent teachers contribute to “increasing school violence and delinquency.” Over 300 teachers have been selected for disciplinary action.

Two things here. (1) School delinquency and moreso violence have been long known to be on the rise.

The evidence (from me too) has been reliably provided to the authorities since 2002. So when the blaming starts, a fair perspective must be provided for policy action. A critical part of this country’s policy deficit is that action is not taken when a problem begins to show its head. Implementation paralysis. It is a wait-andsee attitude, hoping the problem will go away. Until it reaches an intractable, crisis stage when blame is pelted left, right and centre, with Peter paying for Paul. Collateral damage.

(2) The matter of school management arises. Yes, reform to the Education Act is needed – that was started almost 15 years ago! Take Sections 26 (Education Act) on the 12 specific functions of school supervisors, and Section 27 on the 11 specific functions of school principals. In fact, if these stipulated functions are carried out efficiently and effectively, a lot of the school problems we now face would be much less. (Supervisors and principals may explain their own challenges).

Section 27 states, “Principals shall be responsible for the day to day management of their school, including (a) the supervision of the physical safety of pupils,… (d) the discipline of the school.. (e) keeping of proper records.” So what about broken fences, school safety officers? And parents? Section 83 states, “A parent who neglects or refuses to cause a child (of school age) to attend school is, unless legally excused, liable on summary conviction of seventy five dollars.” School bullies have been allowed to gain too much power today.

T h e s y s t e m n e e d s s h a k i n g up. The y o u n g bullies of today will likely become the criminals of tomorrow.

Editor’s Note: On Friday, the Education Minister disclosed the Santa Rita student suffers from Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Gadsby-Dolly was among those signing the condolence book for Walcott at the Parliament Chamber in St Lucia yesterday and she shared what she wrote with Sunday Newsday.

“I really just thanked Sir Derek for what he had done for Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Acknowledging that his work has been in many times a labour of love and really dedication and commitment to the literary arts and we honour him for that.” She reported that Cabinet had made a decision that the country should be represented at a time like this.

“Sir Derek was a Caribbean man. And I think to Trinidad and Tobago he was important.” She explained that Albert Laveau, director of the Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW) which was founded by Walcott in 1959, was brought as part of their delegation because the Government felt it important that they also be represented.

“(TTW is) a living embodiment of Sir Derek’s influence on the theatre landscape in Trinidad and Tobago.

So I think as a matter of respect and honour and acknowledgement of all that he has done for our country the Government thought it important that I be here.” On Thursday at the post-Cabinet media briefing it was announced that the TTW, whose building at Jerningham Avenue had been put up for sale, would be provided a State building at Newbold Street, St Clair at the nominal rent of $10 per year. Yesterday Gadsby-Dolly reported that she was contacted by members of the TTW about them holding an event in his honour and the ministry will be working with them. She also reported that NGC Bocas Lit Fest had expressed interest in doing an event to honour the late icon. At the entrance to the chamber a creole quadrille band, Mamai la Kay, performed up tempo music. Among the dignitaries in attendance at the viewing were St Lucia Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and members of the diplomatic corps based in St Lucia. Walcott’s longtime partner Sigrid Nama and his daughters Anna and Elizabeth were at the Chamber greeting visitors.

Clarke had jumped off a jetty in the area at about 2 am and never resurfaced.

The Coast Guard was called to assist but could not find him.

However, the Coast Guard later received information from a resident that a body had washed ashore near to the same jetty late Friday night. It was retrieved and handed over to the Carenage police.

According to reports, at about 10.30 am, Nicholas Raymond, 23, was in the exercise yard with other prisoners when there was an altercation and he was stabbed with a sharp instrument. He was taken to the Arima District Health Facility but died while being treated.

Raymond was in prison on marijuana- related offences and was awaiting an appeal.

Prison officers detained several inmates and recovered a knife which they believe was used to stab Raymond.

Lewis is the head of one of the 25 families who were evicted from an HDC building complex in Harmony Hall, Gasparillo on Monday.

The buildings were deemed unfit for human habitation in 2012, and after its lawful inhabitants were relocated within the two years after, several families moved in and set up illegal electricity and water lines.

On Friday, Housing Minister Randall Mitchell said the eviction of the families was not an act of heartlessness but one of law enforcement. Still, he said, the Ministry of Social Development offered counselling, food cards and rental grants for a period of six months to the families.

Lewis confirmed to Sunday Newsday yesterday that ministry officials did visit the families during the week.

On Friday, officials took their contact information and promised to reach out to them again tomorrow.

Lewis was offered a rental grant of $1,500 a month for up to a year, but has been unable to find a landlord willing to accept her and her six children.

“What I did was illegal, I know, but I did not have any choice. If I could have paid for an apartment for my six children, I would not have chosen to be here.” Lewis said her husband of ten years walked out on her and their six children three years ago. She has only seen him twice since then.

As such, she has had to care for her six children alone while juggling her job as a telephone operator for KFC in Marabella and pursuing a degree at the University of the West Indies.

Now, she is trying to get her heavy-T licence to upgrade her skill set.

“I work hard to take care of my kids. I do not go around and beg.

I do not prostitute myself or my children.

All I need is a place to stay.” Lewis only moved in to the HDC buildings last December.

She was renting an apartment in Marabella but left because sewage often flooded the yard and her toilet would sometimes be filled with sewage from the apartment above her own.

But with her salary, it is either she accepts apartments of this quality which are unsafe for her growing children or stay on the streets, as apartments she can actually afford are not willing to accept her with six children.

Like many of the other families, Lewis and her children whose ages range from three years to 14 years have been sleeping under the staircase of one of the buildings to shelter from the rain. Others sleep in cars and in trucks. Others have left the streets to stay with family members and friends.

Gabriel Phillip, a father of one whose family was also evicted on Monday, said, “We are all willing to accept whatever assistance anybody is offering, but this woman and other women with children like her needs immediate attention.

Like yesterday they needed it.

But what this whole ordeal has shown me is that in this society, when people see you on the ground, instead of helping you up, they does kick you.”

The march began at Bhupsingh Park, Penal and finished with a panel discussion on crime at Bakal Recreation Ground in Penal.

Persad-Bissessar, flanked by MPs Roodal Moonilal, Vidia Gayadeen- Gopeesingh, Tim Gopeesingh, Barry Padarath, David Lee, Rodney Charles, Dr Lackram Bodoe, and Deputy UNC leader Khadija Ameen, marched at the front of hundreds of people waving placards and dressed in black and white.

“This is not a UNC event, it is organised by the Penal/Debe Foundation,” said Persad- Bissessar in a brief speech before a panel discussion.

“But why are we here? It is to make it very clear that this Government has failed in every regard – education, health care, the economy, jobs, and in the fight against crime.

I want to promise you as your MP and as your Leader of the Opposition that together with our team, we will do all that we can to ensure that the Government listens, that the Government takes charge because they are in charge now to deal with the issue of the fight against crime.” Shortly after her speech, Persad-Bissessar and the MPs left to attend another event.

Then a panel discussion was held with retired Brigadier General Carl Alphonso, former commissioner of police James Philbert, former Independent senator and youth activist Nikolai Edwards, director of the National Counselling Association Sandra Jaggernauth, and Shiva Roopnarine, president of the Penal/ Debe Chamber of Commerce. The panel discussion focused on the definition of crime and how to recognise it; the punishment of crime; and rehabilitation of those released from prison after serving their time. From the discussions, a policy paper would be produced and sent to the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, and the Commissioner of Police for their comment and their action.

President of the Penal/ Debe Foundation Khemraj Seecharan said they were moved to have the march to make a statement against the upsurge in crime in the country, and in their community. “There has been a great change in this community where people once felt safe are now afraid to leave their home over the past few months.”