Umoja Ben-Nyah was full of life and vigour

Umoja Ben-Nyah was laid to rest last Saturday in his native Duncans, Trelawny, after a spiritual thanksgiving service that took place at the Kettering Baptist Church in Duncans.

Umoja, who was registered at birth as Derek Miller, was born on January 17, 1948. He died on March 9, leaving wife Julie and 11 children. His body was buried in the Duncans cemetery.

The persons who paid tribute remembered him as a man who loved the media, was unpretentious, and was full of life and vigour.

“Here was a man who realised the good in persons and used his unique voice to express it,” Dr Jarrett said of Umoja, who had just started his own radio station.

Umoja’s eldest son, Vaughn Miller, gave an emotional tribute.

“There were times when my father and I never saw eye-to-eye, but there was never a time when I felt he did not love the 11 of us equally. When I stayed away from him, he would go to a mutual friend and say, ‘Tell Vaughn to come and see me’. I had to come here today and represent my siblings. He has left a worthy legacy for us,” Vaughn said.

Dr R.P.G. Crooks, who gave the remembrance, said Umoja was among his best friends.

“I was the bestman at his wedding right here in this church. It was a comical occasion. We forgot the ring and had to drive back to Ocho Rios to get it. Umoja had the ring box but not the ring,” he recalled.

Dr Vincent Fletcher, in his sermon, told the congregation that “life is temporary and everybody must always plan for death. A wise man always thinks about death. Acknowledge God because if you fail to do so, you miss your purpose.”