Joshua gone too soon

TEARS FLOWED FREELY from men, women and children last night, as scores of Ivy, St Michael residents turned out for a vigil to commemorate the short life of toddler Joshua Boyce.
He died on Friday night after being pinned to the wall of his 4th Avenue, Skeete’s Road, The Ivy home by a vehicle after an altercation between two men. John Russell Snr was charged for unlawfully killing the two-year-old.
With mostly candles in hand, the crowd, estimated at more than 300, walked through a number of avenues in The Ivy, singing songs such as Jesus Loves The Little Children and Forever With The Lord.
They stopped at the edge of Blenheim Pasture where Joshua used to kick around a ball from age one, and aunt Janice Lady J Devonish sang two solos – It Is So Hard To Say Goodbye and Gone Too Soon. This was followed by a minute’s silence.
The sombre crowd then continued the procession to Joshua’s home where they laid lighted candles and reflected on the little boy who brought cheer to all those he came into contact with.
Joshua’s father Trevor Devonish said the massive support “makes me very happy”, while his mother, June Boyce, sobbed throughout the proceedings. The two quietly consoled each other during the moment of silence. Joshua’s funeral will be held next Wednesday at St Barnabas Church. (SP)