The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ACTIVIST Troy Garvey, his wife, Charlene, and their children are devastated over the tragic loss of their son and sibling Trey Garvey, who was the victim of a hit-and-run accident last week in Grand Bahama.

Trey, 19, was a well-mannered and talented young man who had dreams of pursuing a singing career according to his father.

Relatives said he was the life and soul of their household, with a gift to sing and make people laugh. They said his death has left a void in the family.

"It hurts," said a tearful Mr Garvey of his son's death. "I asked God why … what it is you want for me to do because I know his death is not in vain."

Mr Garvey said Trey was the last of three siblings - Tranika and TJ.

"He (Trey) is up there in God's heavenly choir, praising and singing and watching over us. And my six-year-old grandson told me, 'Don't cry because Trey with the angels.'"

Because Trey was not employed on his job long enough to qualify for any death benefits from the National Insurance Board, the family is seeking to raise $10,000 for his funeral expenses.

Mr Garvey, a well-known community activist who has been fighting for the rights of citizens for many years in Grand Bahama, said it is difficult, but he is trying to be strong for his family.

"That was my baby, and it is not easy for my wife, daughter, and son, and even our extended family," he said. "Trey was a very loveable and respectful individual. No matter how I talk to him and how much I debate with him, he always said, 'Yes, sir.'"

According to Mr Garvey, a singer who recently held a song release event in Grand Bahama was very impressed with Trey and his singing abilities.

"He had the opportunity to sing with her, and she fell in love with him; she said he had a character out of this world and she was willing to come back and help him get a record deal; he had a bright future ahead," said Mr Garvey.

"Words can't explain how hurtful this is for us; I continue to pray to God for strength and understanding. And I ask God why; I ask Him to show me why; show me what You are doing. Tell me what You want me to do. I know it is probably a new fight I will take on concerning the law on these type of accidents; texting and driving, drinking and driving and leaving the scene of an accident."

Mr Garvey believes that had the driver remained on the scene and called for help, his son may have still been alive. He also claimed that the driver involved did not have a driver's licence.

The family wants answers about the incident, and are asking persons who may have seen anything or know anything to contact them.

"We want justice and truth for what happened to Trey, and we have been getting some good leads," Mr Garvey said. "I know my son up there saying, 'See my daddy gone look out for me he ain't going let this die.' We have spoken to a lot of people who have brought some clarity to this case.

"I also want to commend the police and Superintendent Jeremy Henfield who is doing a remarkable job."

His daughter Tranika Garvey, who lives in Nassau, said that there is an "emptiness" without her brother at home.

"Without him, it feels empty now because he always made his presence known. We would say he is the baby, but he acted as if he was the oldest of us. He had a very mature mindset for his age; he spoke positivity, and he was a deep thinker," she said. "You could be upset with him, and he will crack some joke and make you laugh."

She recalled moments on her visit home of how the three siblings would all gather in the kitchen making jokes, laughing and catching up with each other.

"It hurts to know that it (the accident) happened when TJ and I were not here," said Ms Garvey. "I am still questioning it, and I have not accepted the fact that he is not here. It should not have happened to him. He is only 19."

Mrs Garvey said Trey was a very active child, even as a toddler.

"He was my American Express; I took him everywhere I went," his mother said, explaining that he got lost at age four in the mall during a trip to the US and she never again let him out her sight after that.

She is appealing to the person who might have picked up Trey from Eight Mile Rock and dropped him off to a certain point to contact them so they can get some clarity of his last moments alive before the accident.

"He was my baby. I just miss him, and we know he is safe with God looking down on us. But we will now have to get over the pain of our loss," she said.

Mr Garvey said that his son's body has not yet been released and a tentative funeral date has been set for Saturday, August 4.

He said the funeral would be reflective of his son.

"There will be no coat suits; we are wearing our jeans, t-shirt, and tennis because Trey was a simple person," his father said.

He said that it is going to be a musical celebration, and noted that music director Kevin Tomlinson would be bringing all the choirs for the years Trey had been in the Grand Bahama Youth Choir to perform a tribute.

The Garveys said they are very thankful for the outpouring of sympathy and support they have received from family, friends, and persons in the community.

"We would like to thank everyone who has come by to offer their condolences and support because it makes the burden lighter," Mr Garvey said.

Persons wishing to assist the family by making a monetary contribution can call Mr Garvey at 646-2972.