Manchester youth's lost promise

Angelo Laurence, Gleaner Writer

THE EARLY morning air moved with a solemn quiet and peace, as family and friends gathered at the Mandeville Church of God on Brumalia Road to say farewell to Roberta Georgette Marie Milton.

At age 21, Milton, a former student of the University of the West Indies (UWI), had already etched her mark on the lives of many and had become a positive role model for her peers. With promise in her eyes, a smile of hope and the will to always give a helping hand, she was tapped as one of Manchester's orchids and Jamaica's future.

However, her life's journey was cut short on the morning of June 12 when the car in which she was a passenger with three others crashed and burned near the entrance of the Northern Caribbean University.

Also killed in the accident were Richard Suckie, 23; Roshay Young, 20; and 21-year-old Simone Ford.

Good memories

With her picture displayed near the coffin, family members in the front rows, former classmates and well-wishers from across the island filled the church and the tent on the outside, each clutching a programme with her picture.

An aspiring literature teacher, Milton was remembered by Jovaughn Neil, president of the UWI Guild of Students, as a jovial and helpful person, whose desire to see others achieve their goals was unending. Custos of Manchester Gilbert Allen said young Milton's passing was a great loss to both family and country, particularly to the many young people who looked up to her. Others who gave tribute included Michael Stewart, former Jamaica Teachers' Association president; Peter Bunting, member of parliament for Central Manchester, students of the Rex Nettleford Hall and Reverend Doctor Dave Gosse of UWI.

Through the sobbing of many, they thanked God for "lending her for the 21 wonderful years" during which she touched many lives, making them better for it.

For Rev Ken L. Smith, a cousin, who delivered the sermon, it was a difficult moment, one filled with fond memories of Milton, while lamenting her passing at such a young age. He sombrely reminded the gathering that he christened her at birth and was now preaching the sermon at her passing.

Smith, like others before him, said Milton was a model daughter, helpful and always had time for others.

She leaves behind a host of friends and family, including father Desmond, brother Bruce, sisters Roxanne and Reba.