Stephanie Coleman, Gleaner Writer
Garfield Morgan with awards at the Peace Management Initiative Unity Across Communities football finals in November 2004. Morgan was gunned down in front of his infant son in Trench Town. - CONTRIBUTED
LITTLE RAHEIM Morgan still remembers the day his father was gunned down while they walked hand in hand to the shop for an after-school treat. He remembers the sound of the gunshots and his father falling to the ground, and he won't let anyone in Trench Town forget it either.
"Him keep on telling people what happen. He don't realise what really happen, he keep on saying 'Daddy gone a hospital an him soon come back'," said Pearline Baker, mother of slain Boys' Town coach Garfield Morgan.
KILLED IN CHILD'S VIEW
Morgan was murdered in front of his youngest child in Trench Town earlier this month. He was shot four times by unknown assailants. Residents of Trench Town were stunned by the brutal slaying of a man who was known for his contribution to the community as a Peace Management Initiative (PMI) volunteer and a volunteer coach for Boys' Town.
"Whole heap a people upset about the killing. Some area tense, but I'm begging for peace, not war. Leave all vengeance to God, I have no revenge in my heart," said Phillip Morgan, brother of the deceased.
"How much more blood have to shed. How many more mothers have to cry before the senseless killing stop?" he added quietly.
The family has no idea what caused the murder and is somewhat fearful for their lives.
"We can't take things lightly. Living in a community like this; you never know what can happen," said Phillip.
"I feel like to leave. I feel betrayed. Is 51 years I live here and I lose a daughter five years ago in the same fashion and the police never come around then," said Ms. Baker, shaking her head sadly.
MAIN BREADWINNER
Garfield was the main breadwinner in a family of two girls and three boys ranging from age four to 20. He operated a little shop to keep it together.
His mother said Garfield was no stranger to sacrifice and would give his last to meet his family's needs.
"If him have $100, him seh 'Mama mi only have a bills, take $50.' He was a loving son to a madda. Just sitting here and remembering the kind of person he is brings tears to my eyes," Ms. Baker said, holding back tears.
Young Raheim is still oblivious to the tragedy and is still awaiting the return of his father.
"When him [Garfield] get the first shot in him back and him drop, him run to him and sey 'Daddy get up nuh.' Him [Raheim] coulda get shot too," said Ms. Baker.
FREE COUNSELLING
Raheim is scheduled to receive free counselling courtesy of the PMI. However, for now, he has returned to school as his mother who works six days a week has nowhere to leave him. Garfield's other children, two of whom reside abroad, are overcome with grief and are leaning on the support of their friends, family and church.
The family members complained that they have not received any support from the police but were hoping the investigation is progressing.
