One of Park Hill’s burnt murder victims laid to rest

The body of one of two men from Park Hill who were chopped and their bodies burnt earlier this month, was laid to rest at the weekend.

And, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves,who was among mourners at the funeral on Saturday, April 20, 2024, of Kelvert ‘Vert’ Smart, said he was heartbroken over the recent double murder in the community of Park Hill, which forms part of the North Central Windward constituency which he represents in parliament.

On Monday April 8, 2024, the burnt bodies of Brenton ‘Marvin’ Barker and Kelvert Kelvin ‘Vert’ Smart, were found at the back of Barker’s residence in Park Hill.

Smart’s funeral service was held at the Park Hill Evangelical Church.

The funeral procession for Park Hill murder victim Kelvert “Vert” Smart.

Prime Minister Gonsalves expressed his personal sorrow over the killing when he spoke at the funeral service.

“Kelvert had just started to live his life…I can tell you that you really start to live when you reach 40,” he said of Kelvert, who would have turned 40 next month.

Gonsalves said it is around that age that you really settle in your head what you want to do with your life.

“He had just started to live and he is cut down. We have to remember him not as a perfect individual…but as a good human being who was loved by his family, and who loved his family,” Gonsalves said.

“He was an honest man, turn his hand on this, turn his hand on that… in order to make a living. His promise of a better life, a more fulfilled life was cut down when he was in his prime.”

The prime minister who knew Vert and his family members admitted that “this event has shaken me to the core. We don’t expect these sorts of things to happen in Park Hill, or in South Rivers or in Colonaire”.

“These things we don’t expect them to happen in our area, maybe some other places but not here,” the Prime Minister said in a sad tone.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves with Kelvert Smart’s sister, Helen.

He said what has to be done now, is to celebrate Kelvert’s life.

The prime minister also used the funeral service as an opportunity to continue his appeal to parents to guide their children properly.

“You can’t allow the boys to be wayward, and then when he is 14 and you can’t control him, you say that ain’t your problem, that is Ralph problem.”

Gonsalves also stressed that the church, the school, the community and the State must play their role for civilized life and living in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“All of us; we have our
part to play, but at the end
of the day, the people who
do wicked, choose to do that.”

Speaking directly about the double murder, Gonsalves said “this was a clear decision, a clear choice by somebody.”

He said he is still at a loss as to why this crime happened, “but God will give us the understanding and the wisdom to come to terms with it”.

Kelvert would have celebrated his 40th birthday on May 11, 2024. In the eulogy his sister, Tiession Smart-Lewis said that her brother met a cruel and unjust death.

The sermon at the funeral service was delivered by Elder, Brian Dabreo, whose message, “Take stock of your life” urged those in attendance not to forsake God.

Kelvert’s remains were laid to rest at the Park Hill cemetery.

On Friday night, members of the community marched along the main road in Park Hill in memory of the two slain men. One man has been arrested and arraigned in connection with the deaths of the two men.