Three men have lost their lives in separate incidents in the space of 24 hours, adding to the tragic list of people who have died this month – and will miss ringing in the New Year.
First was the unnatural death early yesterday around 2 a.m. of 21-year-old construction worker Kamale Llamar Broomes, of Crab Hill, St Lucy.
Broomes, a former St Leonard’s Boys’ School student, was shot in the head.
Family members and friends could not hold back their tears as they stood in disbelief that their loved one could have died this way.
“My son was a nice young man who was an ardent cricketer, as he played [Barbados Cricket League] cricket for the nearby North Stars club,” said Idell Broomes. “He had received a trophy last year for taking the most wickets. And he used to do some work in construction, and at times worked with his father.”
Less than an hour later, the Thyme Bottom, Christ Church community had lost valued member Argyle Walker, 63, who was killed when his car collided with another driven by Anthony Jordan, 23, of Lewis Gap, Green Hill, St Michael.
Jordan, who was reported to have received only minor injuries, was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by ambulance.
Walker’s son James said his father was a caring and loving man to his family. He said his dad was leaving behind his wife Estalean and three children; but “they will be okay”.Comrade Legay Farley described Walker as a man who truly cared for his friends, and who was very knowledgeable of current events.
“I will miss him big time,” Farley added.
The third death was of a 35-year-old St Philip man who drowned. Reports indicate that Ashantio Sealy, a teacher at Ellerton Primary School in St George, was bathing at Long Bay, St Philip, when he got into difficulty.
Broomes marked the islands’ 22nd murder for the year, which is still behind last year’s total of 27. Crime prevention officer Station Sergeant Stephen Griffith said the incident was not something Crab Hill was known for.
“This is just one of those [random] incidents. Investigators are on top of situation and are working to resolve this and all the other [murders] for the year,” he said.
Walker’s was Barbados’ 28th road fatality for the year. There were 21 for 2011.
Police continue to urge the public to exercise caution on the roads and adhere to the road regulations.
“Motorists are requested to desist from speeding, improper overtaking and engaging in activities while driving that will cause distractions. Our roads must not be used for illegal racing, and we encourage all persons to report any suspected illegal racing to telephone number 467-2725 or Emergency number 211,” a police release stated. (CA)
