Merciless’ estate in limbo as family waits on death certificate

Close to one year after the death of veteran dancehall deejay Merciless, his family is yet to receive his death certificate, and, according to his sister, Claire Howell, this is causing a hold up in completing vital business transactions relating to the entertainer's estate.

Merciless, whose given name is Leonard Bartley, was found unresponsive at a guest house in Kingston last July. An autopsy could not determine the cause of death, and the police reported that the results were inconclusive. The family, however, obtained a burial order, which Howell said they have been using as proof of death.

"We need to move forward with his business and we need to know how much longer we will have to wait. I have been photocopying the burial order to send overseas, but the business people still need the death certificate as proof. Everything is in limbo right now," Howell said.

She shared that the family had been in communication with a policeman, who told them that the coroner's office said that "it's going through the process and the family has to just wait". Howell's is alarmed at the length of time that she has been waiting without hearing from anyone in authority.

"The policeman who we were in communication with lost his phone and so we no longer have any contact for him. Nobody has called to say we know that you are grieving and waiting, but give us another month. We don't even get a promissory note. Nothing at all," she said.

Howell noted, however, that the lack of death certificate won't stop the family from hosting a memorial event for Merciless next month.

"To remember my brother on the one-year anniversary, we will be having an event on July 29 in Clarendon ... not sure about the venue yet though. It will be a fun day for kids in the early part, and later on the artistes will perform. A few artistes have already pledged their support, so we are looking forward to that," Howell said.

Merciless, who made his recording debut in 1994 with the single Lend Out Mi Mercy, enjoyed hits such as to Gal Dem Gizzada, Mama Cooking, Mavis and Mr Whodini. He was a renowned clash artiste who earned mega stripes in a memorable clash against Ninja Man, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man at Sting 2000 at Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore, St Catherine.