The Reverend Anthony Ottey, retired pastor of St Mary's Anglican Church in Montpelier, St James, made the call at a thanksgiving ceremony for Terry's life, yesterday .

"We are not sure if we have forgiven the evil person who took his life, but we must learn to forgive, be merciful and kind. It is not easy to do, but we should try," the Rev Ottey told the packed tiny church.

penetrative message

Rev Ottey's message lasted no more than about five minutes, but was penetrative and well received. "If you can't forgive, you have a serious problem," he told the congregation. "Don't be self-righteous. Constantly check your lives, take hold of yourselves and enjoy doing what you do in spite of your shortcomings," he said emphatically.

Terry's ex-wife, Elizabeth, read a tribute on behalf of their children, Jordan and Melissa. It read: "Our dad should be remembered for all the good he did and the hearts that he touched." Melissa sobbed, as her mother hugged her.

"Throughout his life, he was one of the most giving persons I have ever loved. He may not be physically here with us, but our memories of him make him present in our hearts," excerpts of the tribute read.

In bringing tribute on behalf of the British government, High Commissioner to Jamaica, Jeremy Cresswell, said no words of consolation could lessen the loss the family had suffered. "John was not only a great servant to the UK, but also to Jamaica, a country he loved deeply and contributed much to," Cresswell said.

Terry was strangled at his home in Mount Carey, St James, on September 9. His killer remains at large.