Has the Morne Sion "Symbol of Faith" Monument Faded Into Oblivion?

“The anniversary of this terrible tragedy is bound to bring renewed pain and grief to the families and friends of those who died.”- Kenny Anthony.

Tomorrow marks 8 years since the tragic Morne Sion bus accident on Saturday 10th November 2011. 19 people — 17 declared dead while two toddlers remain missing — perished on a stretch of beach at Morne Sion.  Michael Alexander, Michaela Alexander, My Kelly Alexander, Salyand Stephen, Anallsha Mayers, Sherdelle Samuel, Jacinta Florence, Davia Charles, Kerelle Modeste, Darnelly Modeste, Johnny Jn Marie, Darius Jn Marie, Karen JnMarie, Keran Jn Marie, Semontha Phillip, Venon Alphonse, Venantious Alphonse, Terry Phillip and Lex Andrew all passed away.

The Cliff

The vehicular accident plunged the community of Choiseul/Micoud and the whole nation into deep mourning. This accident which occurred at about 8:00pm on that fatal night is said to be the worst in living memory. A mini bus carrying residents from Dugard and Ti Rocher from a funeral service in Choiseul, plunged over a cliff and landed in the sea 120ft below.

The “Choiseulpowerhouse” gives a graphic account of the beach scene in the following two paragraphs. 

  “At first sight, the accident seemed to be a horrific one, with the bodies of three victims – one of them a child with signs of life - sprawled on the beach and being washed by the wave action. The jury is still out on how those “souls” got there: Did they jump out of the minibus when it was on its downward flight from the top of the cliff to the sea below? Were they ejected from the vehicle on impact? Were they washed from vehicle by the wave action? Did they get out of the wreck after the impact?

The wreckage

Meanwhile the partially submerged wrecked minibus on which they were traveling was further into the sea in a capsized position about 40 feet away; and it wasn’t until after the emergency services gave the local heroes the green light to turn over the capsized wreck about ½ an hour later that the full horror story unfolded.  At the end of it all, 15 bodies removed from the vehicle were confirmed dead. The next day, the final count reached 17.”

On the third anniversary  of this tragedy the Office of the Prime Minister issued a press release – the second paragraph reads: “On this day, I call on all to spare a moment to offer prayers for the souls of the departed and the families and communities affected by this tragedy. Share a word of comfort with the children, parents, friends and other loved ones who were left behind to redefine life after this dreadful day.”

The Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, in a throne speech remarked, “……So that our departed brothers and sisters will not be soon forgotten, my Government plans, in remembrance of the victims, to construct a memorial on the site of the tragedy.  The families of the victims need to know that this nation shares their loss both in word and in deed.”

A Barrier or Monument?

The OPM also stated, “It is my sincere hope that with the completion of the Symbol of Faith which has been commissioned to mark this tragedy, we will in future remember this day in a more collective manner.”

Did you know that the submissions of the design for the monument were reviewed by an eight-member committee headed by Mr. Darrel Montrope who was Cabinet Secretary at the time?

Also,the Cabinet of Ministers at the time, then reviewed the recommendation of the Committee and had agreed to share the designs with the families of those who died on that tragic day, before announcing its final decision – that was in 2014.

 Question! What is the status of this Monument or “Symbol of Faith” as it is defined by the OPM? Eight years later should a line of 6 - 7 culverts painted in white  with non-reflective black-pained arrows still serve as a reminder or a security barrier. Inquiring minds want to know!!

On the fourth anniversary Kenny Anthony puts it nicely: "This event must remain forever etched in our minds. No words can ever be enough to comfort the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives." 

In whose court is the ball now?  Is the present Government willing to take up the mantel?St Lucia still awaits this promised “Symbol of Faith.” 

Editor's note: Most pics compliments "The ChoiseulPowerHouse." Efforts to contact the District Rep and the Communications Officer in the OPM were unsuccessful.