Cop gets military funeral in Mespo

Tue, Sept 18, 2012

A sombre atmosphere hovered over the Mesopotamia Valley last Sunday afternoon, as members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force laid to rest fellow colleague PC 628 Franklyn Matthews, also known as “Randy”.{{more}}

The funeral service at the Mesopotamia Seventh Day Adventist Church was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel; Commissioner of Police Keith Miller; acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Frankie Joseph; widow Bernadette Matthews; a large contingent of members of the local constabulary and several dignitaries.

Tears streamed down the faces of several police officers, who had the opportunity to train with Matthews at the Old Montrose Police Training School or work with him while he served as a member of the Police Force Band during his 17-year tenure.

Matthews, 37, died on August 29 in the United States, one day after his birthday.

Delivering remarks at the funeral service, Miller said Matthews was never charged with a disciplinary offence during his career as a cop.

“This speaks volume for a policeman. It shows that discipline was his hallmark,” said Miller, adding that Matthews tutored children music and lived an overall productive life.

Miller said the fallen cop, who had been ill for a period of time, read the Bible frequently and was prepared to go when his time came.

The commissioner promised that the Police Force will provide for Matthews’ son, Joel Matthews, when he sits the Common Entrance Examinations.

“When Joel sits the Common Entrance Examinations, fail or pass, he will be taken care of,” said Miller.

Matthews’ elder son, Imani Adams, a secondary school student, is already a recipient of a Police Force scholarship.

The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged the audience to continue to support the Matthews family and challenged the audience to use the opportunity “to make our calling an election sure”.

Band Master Station Sergeant Bernard Haynes recalled that he met Matthews in February 1990 when he enrolled as Band Cadet.

He described the deceased as a team player and a “very talented musician.”

“He was a very dedicated band member, who always encouraged his band members to try their best at all times … He was always focused on his job and always willing to share knowledge and ideas,” said Haynes.

The eulogy was read by Oneka St Rose, while Elder Larson Jardine gave the homily, before proceeding to the Dumbarton cemetery for burial.

A release from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force expressed thanks to everyone in St Vincent and the Grenadines as well as the diaspora, who cared and provided support for Matthews during his ailment. (Police Public Relations Department)