National football coach Kirt Hector and national player Norran Jno Hope, who died while on their way to perform their duty with the national foot ball team, were laid to rest on Saturday May 4, in what has been described as “a fitting send off”.
They were buried side by side at the Catholic cemetery in La Plaine after a moving funeral mass at the Catholic church there.
The two national sportsmen died on Friday April 19, when a vehicle they were travelling in, plunged into a gorge created by erosion from heavy rain on the Pont Casse road.
Fr. Herman Sharplis, one of four celebrants at the funeral mass, delivered the homily. He referred to Hector’s final words as recalled by Joslyn Prince, the lone survivor of the accident, “Fellas brace yourselves.”
He reminded the hundreds gathered that “life on earth was short” and they should prepare to meet God. “Life is a dress rehearsal, people get frightened when they hear (of) death but it’s a fact of life. We cannot afford to get too attached to this world,” Fr. Sharplis said.
“You are dust and unto dust you shall return, no matter the riches, we all will be put in a box,” he pointed out and called on all to “be prepared for death as it is a respecter of none and comes like a thief “. Kirt and Norran, he noted, along with the other footballers, were going to represent Dominica, were excited, wanted to win but “never knew they would not reach.”
Part of Fr. Sharplis ‘s message for the congregation was that people should cherish every moment of life and make time for God. “Too many people spend life in Sewo and no time for God…the story of Joslyn is touching…people, young and old there is a God and he still loves us. So, footballers when you are enjoying the game remember there is a God, ” Fr. Sharplis advised.
He said the death of the young men should re-energize Christians living in Dominica and urged them to “put your house in order……..be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”.
Those attending the funeral included Parliamentarians, the president of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Antiguan, Gordon Derick, other FIFA officials, DFA executive members, footballers, football referees, police, nurses, fire officials and students.
Below are some photographs taken at the funeral.
Photos by Carlisle Jno. Baptiste.
I imagine how sad, moving and heart-wrenching it was at their funeral and more so for their grieving family. I considered the religious song of consolation:
He Cares
Does Jesus cares when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song
And the cares distress as the way grows weary and long.
O yes! He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long nights dreary
I know my Saviour cares.
Does Jesus care when I say goodbye
To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heartaches ’til it nearly breaks
Is it all to Him, does He see.
Oh yes! He cares…
This song is very moving.
Hector and Jno Hope, you are now resting in your final resting place. Lives are saddened at your parting, you leaving them. If only you could be brought back but we know a loving God knows best as we leave the answers to him and expect to meet you both someday in Heaven. Au revoir fellas. Gone from this earth but not forgotten. Memories remain. Your spirit will live on. R.I.P.
i think sometimes some people abuse the dislike button, just for fun.
And also wickedness.
you all could have done a lil better on the pics
Where was the prime minister? Did he stay home and pray for the nation or listen to it on radio. So skeero fraid our road now?????
To me I didn’t see St.Jean crying but his hands was trembling and his lips was kind of dryish. La plaine is my village and I live overseas and I will be returning next month. I stay in Roseau. A lot of people came down and it was nice to see how the funeral went on. Father Sharpo spoke very well. What a sweet tender priests. I feel sorry.
Did you consider that there are some who try hard not to cry as the heart cries. You cannot see the heart.
RIP RIP JNO HOPE AND HECTOR
WE will misss you
Oh this is very sad and who own is Kurt Hector ?
this is just too sad to look at
very well said Fr.Sharplis. May the soul of the departed through the mercy of god rest in peace. We are always to busy or find an excuse why we cant go to church and worship him but will hitch a ride to go sewo. Let give god sometime in our life for tomorrow is not promised.
R.I.P
Truely touching
These pics sent chills to my bones. So so touching and yes this is a great reminder to all of us to put our house in order.
Rest in peace you two are Dominican heroes. I pray for continued strength for the family and to Mr. Prince, continue to heal, you have a message to share.
It was truly a fitting send off. But for those of us who were there and those who listened on radio and watched on the internet, Fr. Sharplis’ words were best said… “put your house in order……..be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”. That should be for all of us… not in words but in our actions… “Father give me the strength and will to do what is right in your eyes.”
Goodbye Caribe (Kirt A Hector) n Norran Jno Hope n to the national team n LA Stars I fell y’all pain
Thank the Lord, their journey on this sinful earth have ended. May their souls rest in peace. The Lord gives life and he knows when he will take it.
Brothers and sisters, on this earth especially in
DOMINICA, be prepared to meet thy God. Lets love one another, life is too short. Dust we are and dust we must return. God bless you all. DOMINICAN’S.
SAD. R.I.P.
this is so sad. They are in a better place now.
R.I.P Kirt and Norran.
May the souls of the faithfully departed Kirt Hector, former national soccer coach and Norran Jno-Hope former national player for the under 23 soccer team rest in perfect peace..rip fellas till we meet again.
It’s sad, one second you’re there and the next your gone..these guys waking up early Friday morning would have never guessed that it would be there last day on earth…:(
Rest in eternal peace