The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

A TRAFFIC accident in Long Island yesterday claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy who was understood to have been travelling to Clarence Town in the rear of a truck carrying equipment for the island’s inter-school track meet.

Destin Smith, the younger cousin of the Free National Movement’s candidate on the island, Adrian Gibson, was said to have been seated in the rear bed of the pick-up truck when it struck a bump.

Smith, along with the contents of the truck, was thrown from the vehicle by the impact. The student is believed to have died of his injuries a short time later.

Other reports have suggested that the cause of the fall was a mattress in the rear of the truck being caught by the wind and being blown out of the vehicle, along with Smith.

Mr Gibson told The Tribune the entire community of Long Island was shocked by the loss of the youngster, who he described as “quiet, humble and decent”.

“This is yet another great and unfortunate act in the history of our island,” said Mr Gibson, contending that the incident demonstrates an immediate need for improved emergency medical services in Long Island.

“No way am I saying that this incident was the result of a lack of an ambulance or updated medical facilities or even the presence of more doctors,” Mr Gibson said. “My point is that if all of these things were up to par, they could have aided in this case.

“This is one of the largest islands in The Bahamas. No ambulance, one doctor that is being over-worked and archaic facilities. We need more in Long Island.”

In a statement released by the Department of Education yesterday, Director of Education Lionel Sands noted the loss of the student with “profound sadness”.

The statement read: “It has been brought to our attention that the young man was well loved and touched the lives of many. Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of our student and the wider Long Island community.

“During this time, as the school community processes the tragic news and copes with grief, the Ministry of Education will offer counselling and bereavement support services to the students and staff affected.

“To the Long Island High School family and community, once again we convey our deepest sympathy and profound condolences. We hope that time and the memories will lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss.”

Loretta Butler-Turner, the Long Island MP, also mentioned yesterday’s tragedy in a Facebook post, asking citizens across the country to “pray for our communities and his family”.