THE death of Okine Brevett, son of Skatalites bass player Lloyd Brevett, stands amongst the “most startling experiences” of former Prime Minister PJ Patterson.

“Hours before his death, he seemed well poised and his mannerism dignified him as a true gentleman. However, he was cut down in the prime of life by vicious criminals. Can there be no bond in our inner cities?” asked Patterson at yesterday’s thanksgiving service for the young Brevett at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church on Hope Road in St Andrew.

Brevett, 32, was shot dead in his home community of Seaview Gardens on February 26, hours after collecting a Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) award on behalf of his father. The award was presented by Patterson himself.

Patterson, who once managed the Skatalites band, yesterday urged the congregation to unite to eradicate crime in order to restore due respect to life.

The former prime minister also urged musicians, DJs, journalists, and politicians to reaffirm their purposes and unite to rid the nation of such savage acts.

Anthony Hylton, chairman of Western St Andrew Constituency and minister of industry, investment and commerce, also hailed the deceased father of two as a model figure, who had the Seaview Gardens community in his best interests.

In a tribute to their son, which was in the programme, Lloyd and Ruth Brevett said that they never expected such a turn of events.

“We lost you as you were encouraged to take an award of my life’s work as a Skatalites in your hands. Ever the son that held me, and represented me, with your strength as I faced with determination and will my life and destiny in this advance of time in this our world. Never did I expect that it would be I who would be asked to bear the sacrifice of you, my son, in a life that I have given so much.”

The mood inside the church grew more sombre as the service came to an end. Okine’s sister, Shanalee, along with his girlfriend Sasha Thomas and other family members, wailed as the pall-bearers carried the casket from the church to the hearse.

Musical tributes during the service were delivered by reggae singers Luciano and Althea Hewitt, while music consultant Maxine Stowe, wife of the late reggae singer Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott, spoke on the Skatalites’ impact on Jamaican music.

The officiating ministers were Pastors C Tidene Brevett and Sheldon Schooler. Donations were made to the Okine Brevett Skatalites Fund. Interment followed at a family plot in Red Ground, Negril.

Related Article:Tragedy after triumph – Son of Skatalites member killed hours after collecting award for legendary band

VIDEO: ‘We’ve given up on Jamaica’ – Former Skatalites member and his wife mourn their son’s murder