In the 9 days since 14 year old Laddie Gillett was killed by a policeman's bullett in Placencia - his name and the sad circumstances of his death have inspired a movement for police reform and triggered a society-wide cry for justice - not just for him - but for all innocent persons killed by reckless lawmen.
And while those calls for justice have created a clamour and space in the public discourse - today it all seemed moot, because the sombreness of Laddie's funeral punctuated the protest with the non negotiable reality that there can be no justice for Laddie - maybe for his family, and the community - but not for the vibrant and promising young man who, tonight, is interred in a vault on the Chaa Creek Estate, simply because someone thought this young boy on the beach was a criminal - just because he was black.
Today, that private funeral service was held at Chaa Creek Estate - and courtesy of funeral Directors Live Events and Designs - and here are a few or the words said in remembrance:
Lucy Fleming, Laddie's Grandmother
"I really would like to thank the nation of Belize, we've been here for 44 years and I can truly say that this outpouring of love and affection that we have for this little boy, I don't think we would find that in any other country in the world, so I thank you all, each and every one of you and I know that we will keep Laddie's memory alive and he lives within us."
Thomas Palacio, Laddie's Close Friend
"Laddie was greater than life. I see it now. The man had a power, a vibe, a feeling you can't really describe unless you knew him. You felt safe around Laddie, you felt love, you felt valued and you feel appreciated. Laddie is our guardian angel now for sure. I am writing this from Laddie's bedroom and next to me at the time I have Keshaun and Albert, we were reminiscing Laddie and all we could do is laugh and smile. Imagine, even after leaving us, he still makes us smile. I tell everyone that Laddie's last word to me was laughter. We were laughing and smiling. That old dog always barked at us whenever we would pass that area and we always laugh and 5 seconds later he was gone. It comforts me to know he felt no pain, it comforts me to know he is in the starts, it comforts me to know he lived his best life and it's an honor to have been with you to the end. Thank you to the entire country of Belize and beyond for supporting us in this demand for justice for our child our champion our warrior, our friend, Laddie Gillett."
Henry Gillett, Biological Uncle
"Thanks, Mr. Bradley, for having us get together and figure what will happen and do it peacefully and its rough. We came all the way from Belize City and we appreciate being here and I just want to thank Mr. Kareem Musa, the Commissioner of Police and like what everybody says let's seek justice."
As you saw, Laddie's biological family was included in the ceremony and his biological mother got to lay a wreath as well as the Minister of Home Affairs.
