By Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
THE FAMILIES of the two elderly men who were killed in a controversial police shooting in Flankers, St. James, just over two weeks ago, were yesterday presented with over $250,000 in financial assistance by the Ministry of National Security.
In handing over the cheques to the families of the late David Bacchas and Cecil Brown, Superintendent of Police Artice Brown-Getton, who was appointed the police's liaison with the community by Police Commissioner Francis Forbes, said the money was to help offset funeral expenses.
"This is an occasion I wish was not real," the Superintendent told The Gleaner, shortly after handing over one of the cheques to the Bacchas family. "We are indeed grateful to the families for their level of acceptance and understanding and we will continue to assist in the healing process."
While making it clear that no amount of financial assistance could properly compensate her for the loss of her husband, who is to be buried next Wednesday, a still distraught Mrs. Geneva Bacchas nonetheless welcome the assistance given, which she termed, " token of goodwill from the authorities."
Tasmani Montaque, the grandson of the late Mr. Brown, said his family was also appreciative of the assistance it had received. However, he made it clear that the family had still not come to grips with the death of his grandfather.
"We are still grieving as we look ahead to the funeral tomorrow," said Mr. Montaque, whose pain was quite obvious on his face. "This incident has affected our family badly and I am sure it is not something we will get over any time soon."
Mr. Brown will be buried at the Pye River Cemetery, in Montego Bay, today.
In addition to the assistance to the bereaved families, Superintendent Brown-Getton said the police were putting a programme in place to reconnect with the community, which erupted into two days of demonstration following the shooting of the men in what the police said was a cross-fire between them and gunmen.
"We will be working closely with the neighbourhood watch and the scouts and girl guides movement at the Flankers Primary and Junior High School," Brown-Getton said. The Superintendent has maintained a regular presence in the community since the incident. "We will be doing everything possible to restore the good relationship we have always enjoyed with Flankers," she stressed.
"The healing has begun and although we are still sadden, we are pleased with the effort of the authorities to assist the families," said Marilyn Nash, president of the Flankers Citizen Association. "The community's anger has somewhat subsided and we are now looking to move on with our lives."
Mr. Bacchas and Mr. Brown were both shot and killed in the early morning of Saturday, October 25, in what the police said was a shoot-out with unknown gunmen. However, the residents of the area, who staged two massive demonstrations to protest the incident, denied the police version of the incident.
