The 2nd annual memorial to those who lost their lives to the sea was held at Sunset Resort on Saturday night. There was a good turn out in spite of the earlier rain.

Pastor Campbell opened the service with a prayer.

Shawn Taylor, president of the Calabash Bay Fisherman's Co-op MC'd the service and spoke of the improvements being made to the methods of fishing and prosecution of large tankers coming into Jamaican waters and destroying pots in the sea, etc.

Amanda Sutherland read a very moving poem written by D. Jackson and entitled Nothing I Can Do.

The Hamilton Family Singers sang a beautiful rendition of the Fisherman's Hymn.

Rebecca Wiersma gave a presentation on the TB.Net memorial reading excerpts from messages left over the last year. FYI - we have had 448 messages left over this last year. Sincere thanks to all who have remembered their loved ones through this venue.

Our guest speaker was Eric Deans representing the Maritime Authority of Jamaica. He outlined the dangers of fishing worldwide and talked about the advances in technologies, communications, etc. which have helped to defray these dangers. He commended the community of Treasure Beach for holding this memorial and said other fishing communities throughout Jamaica should follow this example.

We were then treated to another song from the Hamilton Family singers.

Kory South spoke a few words expressing his admiration for the fishermen and what they have to endure. Then he introduced his daughter, Koryann, who read a poem I am Free, author unknown.

This lead us into the reading of the names of those who lost their lives at sea with the lighting of the candles. As a name was called, a candle was lit. Then a family member or friend came up to collect the candle. All those holding candles stood together in front of the pool (where 73 yellow trumpet flowers floated on the surface) and a moment of silence was observed. As last year, this was a very poignant moment. To see so many candles lit and to see so many families affected by the loss of a dear loved one reminds us how deeply the grief is felt throughout the greater Treasure Beach community.

Miss Sheila Hamilton gave the vote of thanks folowed by the release of the butterflies.

We would like to thank all those who helped sponsor this event and the building fund for a permanent monument to be errected.

Janet Kaloo
Appleton
Red Stripe
Southern Supplies and Services
Sunset Resort & Villas
Marblue
TB.Net
Jakes
TB Hotel
Tranquility Bay
The staff and drivers of The Treasure Tours Team
www.turman-tackel.com
www.fish-jamaica.com
Gordon South
Mason and Nancy Bunker
C.A. Parchment & Sons

and all those who placed money in the box at the service.

Please contact Kory South at wahoo@cwjamaica.com or call him at 876-852-5166 for information on donating funds towards the erection of a permanent monument in honourof those who lost their lives at sea.

A committee will be formed to decide on the design and the location for the monument. If you would like to be on the committee or if you have a suggestion or drawing for a design please contact Kory South.

Photos of this event can be viewed in the Photo Gallery. I regret to say the photo of the Hamilton Singers did not come out, but trust me when I say they sounded great!

We will always remember . . .

Mandy Sutherland has just added 12 more photos to the photo gallery.

Thank you Mandy!