“How do I say goodbye to what we had?

The good times that made us laugh

Outweigh the bad.

I thought we’d get to see forever

But forever’s gone away

It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”

Boyz II Men

Under the ministry of Rev Jason the Juggler, the choir sang in chorus at the Church of the RAA on Sunday, November 2, 2014.

From his pulpit, Rev Jason gave his vocal tribute and personal testimony for a person whom many had grown to know and love. Lighters up, cellphones up, hands up and tears rolling down from the people who were hurting, Firefighter Alvin Baker received “big respect inna d dance hall.”

More than 30 years ago, I met Alvin as one of the first-year students walking through the gates of Berkeley Institute.

As second-year students, we had the great privilege of getting the new students to do our bidding: making tuck shop runs and shining our Clarke boots on their khaki pants. We helped them to fully understand the meaning of the term “pecking order”.

Alvin was one of those who decided he was not going to be bossed around by us, and proved to be a difficult lad to see the light. Nevertheless, we formed a bond via playing the game of one-bounce-one-touch on the small field early mornings, or lunchtimes. Alvin went on to play alongside us in football, representing Berkeley for five years.

I know Hamilton Parish is claiming him as a Hot Pepper, but don’t get it twisted cousins. Alvin and I also played for the Cougars’ minors team under the legendary “Bull” Swan. Olé, Olé, Olé all day.

After graduation, Alvin and I often saw each other in passing. At one point, both of our sons played on the same football team, so we spoke often. Not as often as we could have, or should have, but we spoke as school friends should.

So last Friday, as I saw the Facebook feeds filling with tributes to Alvin, I realised that my school friend was no longer with us. I don’t really know what to add to the tributes that have poured in for him. Most of what can ever be said about him has already been said.

As Firefighter #43, Baker spent the last two weeks of his life helping his fellow Bermudians secure their homes after two hurricanes. He served his school, his community, his family and his country well.

To the Baker family, thank you for sharing Alvin with us. To the BFRS family, stand firm. Bermuda is here for her heroes. To the Berkeley family, salute our fellow classmate.

Dear Alvin, please say hello to the following persons for us: Mark Lathan, Hubert Butterfield, Cory Smith, Bull Swan, Dr Maxwell, Sharaine Ming, David Lord, Jevanie “Smokey” Fubler, Kevin Mooney.

Big up, my brother. Your tribute dance was rammed to the maximum. Lighters up, cellphones up, hands up and tears rolling down.

Respice Finem

Love you, Brother.

Everybody wants vice versa love

to all the hungry, vice versa love

come on and get some vice versa love

come on and get it, vice versa love

Barrington Levy