Fox Hill remembers the victims of the fallen…

Nassau, Bahamas – The community of Fox Hill joined in a groundbreaking service Wednesday, August 6, at Freedom Park for the construction of a monument to remember the four victims of the December 27, 2013 shooting.

Members of the Fox Hill Festival Committee and ministers of religion led the service which was marked with songs, reflections and prayers symbolizing peace and unity.

Emotions ran high as family and friends reflected on the lives of Claudezino Davis, Shenique Sands, Eric Morrison and Shaquille Demeritte, all residents of the Fox Hill community.

In his address, Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, called on the residents to pledge to work towards peace and building the common good in memory of the lives of the victims.

He urged the young people to further embrace their community: “It is only as good as you make it. Therefore, it is times like these that we need to continue work together and by doing this it gives the community hope and trust for the rebuilding of this great constituency of Fox Hill. Building a strong community benefits everyone, both the people of Fox Hill and The Bahamas,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Davis noted that since the incident, resources have been mobilized and a contractor hired to clear most of the bush overgrowth and to conduct remedial work in the area. Long-term solutions through the Urban Renewal program are being addressed, he said.

Mr. Davis told the gathering that there can be no more fitting tribute to those who tragically lost their lives than to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and MP for Fox Hill, Mr. Davis, and families of the victims participated in the ground breaking ceremony.