“Protect our children” was the clarion call from Rev. Kevin Waite, the officiating minister at the funeral service for Christopher Suckra whose brutalised body was found in a Westmoreland cane field recently. The pastor, who last week laid his own son to rest, called for a new plan of action for the protection of the island’s children.

“What this country needs is a new plan of action and that plan of action should be based on prayer and fasting,” Rev. Waite said. “We have tried every other option and have failed most miserably. Now is the time to find another way; we need God on our side.”

Young Christopher was abducted as he made his way from the Petersfield High School on his bicycle earlier in this month. It is believed that he may have been sexually assaulted before having his head bashed in by his abductors. His death has sparked a dramatic increase in demands for new methods in dealing with criminals with many conservative voices calling for the resumption of hanging and stronger legislation against persons who prey on children.

However, Rev. Waite urged the fully-packed Torrington Wesleyan Holiness Church to leave all judgment and retribution to God. He advised the congregation to assist the police in their investigations but cautioned likewise that in spite of anger, “vengeance should be left to God.”

His moving sermon had the entire congregation at times screaming and shouting in the Holy Spirit. So moving was his presentation that even school boys could not hide their emotions as tears ran down their cheeks.

“He was a good friend of mine. Him nuh talk nuff, but him kind and nice,” said one Petersfield High student, glancing at the funeral programme bearing a photo of Christopher in happier times.

Tribute after tribute had one underlying point – “Christopher was very quiet and humble.” From the representative of the Ministry of Education, to the Principal of his school, Eugenie Spencer and many others including a letter sent as far away as Canada paid homage to the short life but great “legacy” of the teenager who had come to know simply as Chris.

Ketura Bennett’s anguished cries and uncontrollable sobbing for her son summed up the mood of the day. When the eulogy was being read by Sharon Suckra (cousin) Miss Bennett’s groaning became louder as she tried in vain to stop the sobbing. She had to be comforted on several occasions as she sat staring at her son’s coffin as if still in denial, wiping away an occasional tear as the tributes flowed.

Meanwhile, turning his attention to the state of the society, Rev. Waite said that parents should take all steps to protect their children as there is an ongoing spiritual war in which children and women are targets of persons who see it fit to prey on the weak in the society.

“Parents are not even sure what will happen to their children when they say goodbye anymore. So it doesn’t matter the amount of prisons being built, unless the people pray we will not get out of this problem,” he said.

Interment was at the family plot in Little Bridge, St. Elizabeth.