Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer
Western Bureau:
Two sons of St. Aubyn Bartlett, member of Parliament for Eastern St. Andrew, and their mother, were injured in an accident yesterday as they made their way to the funeral of Mr. Bartlett's mother.
Injured were six-year-old Justin Bartlett, his nine-year-old brother, Brandon and their mother, Grace Ives.
St. Aubyn Bartlett confirmed yesterday that Justin was air-lifted to the University Hospital after he suffered a fractured skull and other injuries.
Lost control of vehicle
Mr. Bartlett made the confirmation while giving a special family tribute at his mother's funeral at the Savanna-la-mar New Testament Church of God in Westmoreland.
Brandon Bartlett was also scheduled to give a tribute in song at his grandmother's funeral.
"About 8:30, my sons and their mother were travelling along the Norman Manley Boulevard to pick up two other family members to attend the funeral, when one of the tyres blew out. She lost control of the vehicle and it was written off. One of my sons suffered a fractured skull, however, he is coherent and is responding. Brandon and his mother's injuries are not considered serious," said St. Aubyn.
Paid tribute
Mr. Bartlett delivered the tribute to his mother, Olive Lawson, who died of heart failure at the Savanna-la-Mar hospital two weeks ago. Her sons, including Opposition spokesman on Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, were by her bedside.
"My mother instilled in us and gave us that kind of strength that in spite of any adversities faced, helps us to carry on. My mother had the capability that no matter how bad a situation was, she could make you smile. Having a mother like this made it easy to grow up and to deal with adversities like the one we are now dealing with," St. Aubyn said.
The funeral saw dignitaries from a wide cross section of the society in attendance and those who were unable to make it, sending condolences and tributes including former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and the Spanish ambassador to Jamaica.
Wide cross section
Among those in attendance were Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall and his wife, Mrs Rhema Hall; Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who read the second lesson; Opposition Leader Bruce Golding; former president of the National Democratic Movement Hyacinth Bennett; Agriculture Minister Roger Clarke (cousin to the Bartletts) and Senator Anthony Johnson.
Meanwhile, Edmond Bartlett, who is also the Member of Parliament for East Central St. James and the fifth of nine children, in delivering the remembrance, said they all remembered their mother with pride and a great sense of admiration.
"We feel proud that God had blessed our mother, that we are able to stand here and share with this distinguished audience," he said.
