By: Gavincia Clarke
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- Adorned in white clothing to represent ‘an angel who has left us too soon’, hundreds of people turned out last night Thursday, September 11, 2014 for a candle light vigil in memory of Shante Shajuana Claxton whose life was tragically taken away from her on Saturday, September 6, 2014.
Many persons marched from the Jessups Gas Station to the St. Thomas Primary School, where a small ceremony was held. Among those in attendance were the Hon. Mark Brantley, Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Hon. Hazel Brandy, Hon. Robelto Hector, area representative of the St. Thomas’ Parish, Hon. Joseph Parry, officials from the Education and Social Services Department, family, friends, church members, students, teachers and residents of the Jessups community.
Tears were shed; loud cries echoed across the school from family and friends as persons paid tributes in songs and poems that described Shante Claxton as lovely, shy and quiet.
Ms. Andrea Bussue addressed the gathering. She used the opportunity to call on parents, teachers, counselors and our leaders to have discerning eyes, so that they can intervene and help children who are bent on destruction. Ms. Bussue advised everyone to lift up their heads, to be more vigilant, observant and mindful. She told the parents to love and hug their children a lot more. In conclusion she urged the gathering to ‘never forget the journey Shante was on’.
This was followed by the lighting of candles. Many burning candles were placed beside two pictures of Shante. In both photos she was dressed in her school attire and smiling gracefully.
The third form student of the Charlestown Secondary School was on her way to the Mannings Seventh Day Adventist Church on Saturday, September 6, 2014 when her life was taken away from her. Many unanswered questions still surround the heinous crime. Many still question why Shante’s life was taken away from her in the manner in which it did.
On the afternoon of Saturday, September 6, 2014 when the young lady failed to return home from church her family set out looking for her. Her body was discovered later that Saturday afternoon in one of the bathrooms of the St. Thomas’ Primary School by a family member. However, it was later revealed that she never made to the House of the Lord.
Police are investigating the matter.
Click link to see photos
https://www.nevispages.com/photo-gallery-candle-light-vigil-in-memory-of-shante-claxton/