Family members, neighbours and friends spoke of a young man who was full of energy and lived carefree when they came together to reflect on the life of 34-year-old St Barnabas, St Michael resident Jamie Selman who died last Wednesday, two days after being hit by a car.
As residents spoke of the fond memories they had of Selman who was known and loved by the young and old in the community, his mother Lorraine was too overcome with grief to speak with Barbados TODAY, only indicating that she was in the process of planning her son’s funeral. His tearful sister Charmaine was too weak to speak.
The deceased’s father Kenrick Murrell (left) and mother Lorraine Selman at the vigil in honour of their late son.
However, his cousin Ryan Gilkes who grew up with him said that the deceased was a loving, caring person.
“Jamie lived his life the best way he knew how. He lived it carefree and enjoyed the moments and that’s what we are celebrating,” he said.
Meanwhile, Selman’s friend Shernell Blackman, who was one of those responsible for coordinating the event, said Jamie was “the neighbourhood person” that everybody took care of.
She said whenever he was around there was laughter and nobody could remain upset with him for too long.
“It is sad that Jamie has gone. The whole neighbourhood would certainly miss Jamie who was a fun filled person with a lot of energy,” she said.
Among those at the vigil was Jerry Trotman who witnessed the accident that claimed Selman’s life. He says the sight still haunts him today.
“Everytime I sit down at that spot I could remember that sound when he get hit and the way he fly through the air and landed in the road,” the sad resident said.
The car that hit Selman on Two Mile Hill Road, near Chapel Gap, St Michael last Monday was driven by St James resident Grenville Belgrave.