Kenny Mitchell
Red-eyed and openly weeping, a large number of family members, friends, co-workers and other persons, from across Anguilla, were at the Memorial Service for former hotel worker, Kenny Mitchell “Mylex”, on Tuesday afternoon, May 7. Among the gathering were present and former parliamentarians.
The service was held at the Church of God (Holiness) on the Queen Elizabeth Avenue.
For the first half-an-hour, about a dozen persons paid tribute to the persona and life of the late 27-year-old deceased, some struggling to come to terms with the circumstances of his passing.
A noted characteristic of the sombre event was the calmness and discipline of the speakers who, without expressions of acrimony or malice over those circumstances, contributed much to the sadness of the occasion. The theme of their tributes appeared to have been the catch phrase “Justice for Kenny” as was printed on the t-shirts worn by many young people seated mainly in the front benches.
The Formal Remembrance of the deceased was delivered by Kenny’s stepmother, Delma Titre. “To have lost “Mylex” is heart-breaking,” she said in her closing words. “It has come as a shock to us all. Our family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all those who have given their support, compassion and love at this very, very difficult time. Kenny Richie Marty Michell, better known as “Mylex”, unexpected as it [his passing] is, would not want us to grieve…Let’s remember him for his everyday smile that starts from ear to ear. Let us remember him for the kindness he showed, the love he gave. Let us never forget that he belonged to us and as much as time was short, he enjoyed every moment he could – especially with his loved ones.”
The preacher was Pastor Rondy Isles-Carty of the Kingdom Citizens’ Church who sought, from the Bible, to give comfort and hope to the deceased’s family, friends and others, while making passing reference to the sadness of the occasion. The closing prayer was delivered by Pastor Philip Gumbs of the Church of God (Holiness).
“Mylex”, a national of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will be further remembered at a funeral service to be held there later.
He died on April 13 at the hands of a visitor, Gavin Scott Hapgood, 44, a financial adviser in Connecticut who is charged with manslaughter. The accused was granted bail by the High Court in Anguilla, in the sum of EC$200,000, and is due back on the island to appear in court on August 22, 2019.
