DUDUS SON
LEADING Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) figures, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, Mayor Desmond McKenzie and Tom Tavares-Finson were among those who showered kind words on the mother of former fugitive Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, who was buried yesterday.
Several hundreds gathered at the Holy Trinity Cathedral on North Street in the Jamaican capital to say farewell to Patricia 'Miss Patsy' Halliburton, who died recently, aged 64. She was buried at the May Pen Cemetery, next to Tivoli Gardens.
   Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga (right) chit chats with Government Senator Tom Tavares-Finson. (Photos: Joseph Wellington) 2/2  |
Despite a heavy police presence, traffic crawled at snail's pace for almost an hour along North Street at the end of the extravagant affair that also attracted a wide array of commercial activity on the grounds of the Roman Catholic church.
The Cathedral and grounds, overflowing with men and women of all ages, heard several stories surrounding the life of a woman they described as loyal and dedicated to her family, her community, her friends and her political party.
Halliburton was eulogised by McKenzie, who also moderated the tribute segment of the service, as a woman of strength, who persevered and enjoyed life despite the obstacles that she faced.
"Therefore, we must honour her as one of the outstanding daughters of West Kingston," he said. "Despite the challenges she faced, West Kingston will not be the same without her."
McKenzie said that Halliburton was one of the first informal commercial importers who travelled to several countries to do business, and who always made the effort to provide the best education for her children -- Pamela, Everton and Christopher.
Although she was diabetic and lost both her legs, as well as her eyesight, McKenzie said her spirit was
never dampened.
Retired MP for West Kingston Edward Seaga, whose tribute was made amid cheers and a standing ovation, also described 'Miss Patsy' as a well-known woman whose loyalty knew no bounds and who, since she was a youngster, could be seen reacting most strongly and vociferously at meetings.
"Rest in peace, my little sister, rest in peace," he said.
Government Senator Tom Taveres-Finson expressed condolence to Halliburton's family on behalf of the JLP. He described her as a woman who gave her life to her family and her business.
Her grandson, Christopher Coke, who bears the name of his notorious father, also paid tribute. It was in the form of a letter to Halliburton from his father Christopher 'Dudus' Coke, currently in a New York jail, wishing her happy birthday. The letter arrived the day after her death.
In the letter, the senior Coke encouraged her to keep strong and to keep the faith. He told her thanks for all she had done for him and said he was praying for her.
"I know how much you love and care for me and that you are hurting because of what I am going through," Coke wrote in the letter.
He said that he missed her and loved her very much.
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Seaga--McKenzie-among-mourners-praising--Dudus-s-mom_9712300#ixzz1Y2c5lztv
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