The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Christie brothers — Philip McCarron Christie, 24, Philip D’Caprio Christie, 23, and D’Angelo Christie, 20 — were laid to rest in an emotional funeral service at New Mount Pisgah Trinity Baptist Church in North Andros on Saturday after dying on September 2 in a car accident on Sir Milo Butler Highway.

Tributes flowed from people who were impacted by the Christie brothers, who were thought to have a bright future.

The deaths of the brothers struck a chord with the wider Bahamian community, with many expressing sympathy for their relatives and heartbroken mother.

Philip McCarron, who had excelled in BPL’s apprenticeship programme, was remembered as a driven and passionate employee who left a lasting impression on those who worked with him.

Samantha Kemp, a BPL training officer, said: “Meeting Philip was no accident. It was indeed intentional. In May 2023, BPL began a search for young, talented individuals. When we saw he scored a 99 percent, we knew that that was a candidate we had to offer a space in the programme.”

BTC acknowledged Philip D’Caprio, and he was regarded as a dedicated and warm-hearted team member whose presence brought light to the workplace. 

According to a representative for BTC attending the funeral, he was remembered as having a magnetic personality, which colleagues said united those around him with his pleasant spirit brightening the office atmosphere.

Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, executive director of the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), where the youngest brother D’Angelo had studied, offered words of tribute for his academic achievements and passion for the environment. 

“He was a bright light among us, passionate for his studies in environmental science, graduating with his degree with distinction in 2023 and receiving the award of excellence for his efforts,” she said.

“His actual love for the environment and his pursuit of excellence led him to return to BAMSI to complete his national certification as a major tour guide in 2024.”

Describing D’Angelo as a bright light, she highlighted his dedication and his deep connection to his field of study.

The service was marked by reflections from political leaders, including North Andros MP Mr Leonardo Lightbourne, who urged the community to take this tragedy as a reminder to drive with caution. 

Prime Minister Philip Davis sent his condolences, acknowledging the loss felt across the nation after the tragedy.

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard expressed his sympathy to the Christie family, acknowledging what he described as an unimaginable pain. He encouraged them to lean on their faith.

“Words cannot express a level of pain that I can only imagine,” he said, encouraging the grieving loved ones to “trust Him as He takes you through this journey.” 

Mr Pintard also reminded the audience to reflect on their own lives, urging them to “forgive quickly and let go” while showing love to those around them this time.

The Christie family, especially their mother, Vannie Christie, was surrounded by the love and support of the community. Having lost her husband previously, she now faces the grief of losing three sons.