Dear “Stu” aka “Hope” aka “Dada” aka “One Love” aka Brian,

Your party went off without a hitch on Saturday. You know: the one you had been planning meticulously. In the morning, it was really cold, so folks were a bit worried. Then it warmed right up at midday. We are pretty sure you talked to boss man up top to get that sorted.

So, the big tent was up, with red, gold and green flags up top. All the 1,000 chairs were full, so a few hundred people had to stand up, but that was OK cause you know people like to be walking around talking to each other. The guys from Island Construction showed their skills in getting the trailer in and out of the tent. They even painted the trailer red, gold and green.

There were about seven big-screen TVs up so we could all watch all those videos of you performing your different characters.

One by one your different clubs came to the stage to give tearful tributes to you. That would include Bermuda Masters Club, Flatts Victoria Recreation Club, Ocean View Golf Course, No Rules Crew, BPGA, and Wolves Sports Club, aka Wolf Pack.

Oh yea, the folks from Port Royal came to the stage and admitted that Ocean View had beat them on a regular basis. You really would have loved that part.

Your various family members came up and gave some really heart-warming tributes as well. As for your son, Brian Jr, he definitely inherited your comedic side. Your cousin, Stephanie Morris, spoke of how you and your crew used to show up in the wee hours of the morning. Your wife, Laurie aka “Boop”, spoke of how you were the one she had waited for her whole life.

One Love

After the service, the trailer started off down the hill with more than 1,000 people walking beside and behind you. Sure, there were some sad faces but there was something mystic about that moment in time. It was a very beautiful sight to see the mixture of all of Bermuda walking together as one. You know, just how you lived your life, treating everyone like family.

Now, down at Christ Church, all the golfers and Flatts Victoria formed a guard of honour as you came through. They really showed all the love and respect that they have for you. At the same time, the music was playing People Like You by Gramps Morgan. Quite fitting, as it described you to a tee (pun intended).

The Reverend Joe Perry gave a prayer and sang Jesus Loves Me while Rihanna played in the background. After that, the set was on. The DJ was playing reggae on loudspeakers in the graveyard while people were skankin’. Only you could have pulled that off.

Then we all walked back up the club to party some more.

It was one big dancehall event, with tons of food, open bar — and big, big tune was playing! Once again, it was a mixture of the whole of Bermuda, all together to celebrate you and your life. Later in the night, Collie Buddz showed up and took the mic to do a tribute. We didn’t even have to pay for that!

Anyway brother, we know you up there with Ramsay “BoBo” Saggar and Irving Burgess Jr and others because you Devonshire boys always stick together. You timed it perfectly cause you got to spend Bob Marley’s birthday with him.

Check you on the bounce. We love you, Brian aka “One Love”.

Signed,

All of Bermuda

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com