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In a manner reflective of her short but vivacious and colourful lifestyle, friends, relatives and schoolmates of nine-year-old J’Layna Armstrong yesterday paid their final respects to her, true to her own unique life.
During her funeral service at the St Patrick’s RC Church, Port-of-Spain, throngs of mourners, including schoolmates from the nearby St Patrick’s Newtown Girls’ RC School, filled the aisles of the church to pay their final respects.
During his homily, Deacon Nigel Thomas lamented the tragic circumstances behind her death and urged communities to take action and confront criminality, even as the first signs of waywardness appeared among children.
Thomas admitted that while taking a stand can be difficult, such a change was needed to correct problems before they grew into major issues.
“At times, we will see a little boy or even a little girl going astray and yes, I know the sign of the times, but be brave… if you stand in Christ, be brave, go to the parents and say, ‘Listen, I have noticed this is what is happening’.”
During the eulogy, one of J’Layna’s relatives, who did not identify herself, recalled the primary schooler as a sassy but respectful child who lived her life to the fullest.
Recalling her time as a junior masquerader, the woman said while J’Layna’s life was cut short, she was optimistic that she was in a better place and urged those closest to the child to never forget the positivity she brought to their lives.
“I know you’re wearing the most magnificent, heavenly bonnet, standing tall as the little miss of the angels, because even though she may have stopped masquerading on our stage here too soon, she is now beginning her greatest performance yet,” the woman said.
“I want you to know you can go now, take your crowns, take the rhythm in your little feet and go lead your parade in heaven.”
Following the ceremony, the solemn nature of the occasion was quickly replaced by a festive, Carnival-like atmosphere as mourners began their procession to Lapeyrouse Cemetery, accompanied by masqueraders, moko jumbies and music trucks.
Several of J’Layna’s peers were seen sporting costumes she wore during her time as a masquerader, their own way of paying tribute to their friend.
As the final rites were read at the cemetery, one of J’Layna’s relatives reflected on her young life.
“We should be celebrating her life, not speaking through pain, we should be lighting candles for her future, not for what was taken away. Crowns, not casualties. J’Layna deserved to live and grow and become everything she was meant to be. She was loved and liked and that will never be taken away.”
J’Layna was gunned down alongside 20-year-old Chelsea Edwards, Obateaiye Latiff and her uncle Asim Armstrong along the Lady Young Road, Morvant, on the night of April 19th.
Police reported that J’Layna and others were travelling in a red Mitsubishi Lancer when another car drove alongside them.
Gunmen in that vehicle reportedly opened fire on the red Mitsubishi Lancer, killing J’Layna and the others instantly.
Police found 30 spent 5.56 shells and a quantity of spent 9 mm rounds at the scene.
As of yesterday afternoon, no one was arrested in relation to J’Layna’s murder.
English (US) ·