Mad as hell! - Family members unleash fury at Ainsley Parkins funeral

In the heart of Wakefield, a close-knit community nestled within the tranquil landscapes of St Catherine, mourners gathered with heavy hearts to bid a heartfelt farewell to Ainsley Parkins, councillor for the Southboro division in Portmore.

They fondly remembered him not just as a politician, but as a true champion for his constituents, embodying qualities of bravery, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to his people.

"I've known him since the time he joined the People's National Party (PNP)," shared Ronald Romans, who had the privilege of knowing Parkins for three decades.

He described Parkins, who was murdered on July 20 while in his division, as a hard worker who dedicated his life to making the community better.

"Him always on the ground trying to hear the problems and him always try to fix them," Romans said.

Scores of people, including members of the political directorate, gathered at the Portmore Seventh-day Adventist Church at Port Henderson Road in St Catherine yesterday to celebrate his life at a ceremony. Parkins' remains were later buried in his home community of Wakefield.

A distraught uncle sang a line from Bob Marley & The Wailers classic, Johnny Was, as he underscored the hurt that Parkins' murder has caused the family.

"Woman hold her head and cry, as her son had been shot down in the street and died. Just because of the system".

With his cracking voice revealing his pain, he pulled another line from the song:

Can a woman tender care, cease towar ds the child she bears? Just because of the system".

He said that Parkins came from the dungeon but held his head high because he wanted to make a difference in Jamaica.

Similarly, an aunt said Parkins had the choice of residing overseas but opted to live in Jamaica because of his love for the people and his country.

"We are hurting! It didn't have to happen and it is not going to go unnoticed. We are seeking justice for Ainsley, he is not going to be another number. ...We are mad, mad, mad as hell because he was a good man, a very good man."

Andrea Smith, who worked with Parkins as divisional secretary, said Parkins is greatly missed and will be difficult to replace.

"My councillor made me feel safe, I could call on him any time. He made it his priority to take care of his constituents. He dedicated himself to the people of Southboro," Smith said.