MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Representatives of the two major political parties were among the scores of mourners present at New Testament Church of God, Knowles Road, on Saturday, to pay final tribute to Ceejay Cunningham, the 2022 prime minister youth awardee for excellence in agriculture and agro-processing.

Cunningham was fatally shot in Davyton in the parish, in late April, while he tiled a house.

The 29-year-old farmer, who grew up in Chantilly, was eulogised as a “man of purpose” who had a national impact.

“Ceejay’s death has not only shaken us in Manchester but the entire Jamaica, because Ceejay, as young as he was, was impacting many lives, and his talent and skill set were so recognised that not too long ago he was one of the recipients of the Prime Minister’s Youth Award. He made an even more successful life to better not just himself and his family, but his community,” said Rhoda Crawford, Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester Central.

Councillor Mario Mitchell (People’s National Party [PNP], Bellefield Division) echoed the sentiments of Crawford as he pointed out that Cunningham had a positive impact during his short life.

“Today we gather to honour the life of Ceejay, a young man whose achievements impacted our country, and [who] was remarkable and inspiring. Through his time with us — though very short — Ceejay lived a life of purpose, dedication, and love. For a young man…his great and exceptional talent and drive set him apart.

“He pursued passions [with] unwavering determination, always striving for excellence. Whether it was through his academic achievements, professional endeavours, his contributions to the community and to the country have touched many lives… His legacy of strength, courage, and unwavering commitment is making the world a better place,” said Mitchell.

In the meantime, Councillor David Knight (PNP, Walderston Division) called for Cunningham’s legacy to be memorialised by naming a street in his honour.

“I have visited the home and there is one request I ask, because everybody wants to remember CeeJay and everybody is saying nice things about Ceejay, and indeed he was a nice man. The media is here, the MP is here, and the councillor is here, when I walk on the road where CeeJay’s farm is, it is in a deplorable condition. And so I am calling upon the minister of agriculture to fix that road and name it in honour of CeeJay. If we want to carry on the legacy of a young man that has touched the lives of so many others, then we can start there,” Knight said to loud cheers.

The politicians also used their tributes to condemn criminality and call for unity.

“I’m happy to see members of the security forces here. If we’re going to be serious about bringing Jamaica up…we have to recognise that the political leaders can’t do it on their own, the security forces can’t do it on their own, the Church can’t do it on its own, it requires collective effort. We all have to come together, because we’re here celebrating the life of Ceejay, and quite often, because it [crime] doesn’t reach your doorstep you can’t fully empathise, but let us not wait until it gets to our doorstep. Let us be proactive and not reactive,” Crawford pleaded.

“This business of political violence and the animosity and the aggression and all the negative vibes that goes along with it, it’s time we put an end to that as well and let’s move forward, putting Jamaica and people first,” the MP added.

Cunningham’s killing shocked many, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness among those who expressed regret.

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of Ceejay Cunningham, a promising young entrepreneur and beloved member of the community of Chantilly district in Manchester. On behalf of the Government and the people of Jamaica, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ceejay’s family, friends, and the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,” said Holness.

In June, the police confirmed that the main suspect in Cunningham’s murder, 41-year-old Andre Knight, was fatally shot during a confrontation with a patrol team.