Gilbert remembers Clarke as peacemaker

D uring his tribute at the funeral of Tarania 'Plum Plum' Clarke, Xavier Gilbert, the sports master at Excelsior High School, where the deceased developed her skills as a footballer, had to fight hard to hold back tears as he tried to come to terms with how one of his students, whom he could only remember as a peacemaker, was tragically cut down by violence.

Gilbert coached Clarke during her years at the school, and as friends, teammates, family, and well-wishers gathered at the Excelsior High School Auditorium, he reflected on moments when the former national player would de-escalate situations.

"Tarania was a sweetheart. If you came into contact with her, you would be sure to love her. You could not help yourself," Gilbert said.

"She has never been involved in any fights. She would be the first to walk away from any situation that would escalate into [violence], so when you met her, you had no choice but to love and adore her."

Gilbert reflected on the loss of his former captain, expressing that had her life not been taken abruptly, she would have been able to accomplish all that she had set out to do in football.

Wonderful life

"[Powerful] words cannot bring her back. I know because I've tried. Neither will tears. I also know because I've cried.

"Plum Plum lived a wonderful life, one where she almost achieved everything she set out to do. And believe me, she would have achieved a lot if her life wasn't cut short," Gilbert said.

Among the many persons who honoured Clarke's memory was fellow Reggae Girl Khadija Shaw, who praised her diligent approach to her craft. "On the field, she was always willing to give of her best," she said. "I'm sure those who were fortunate to play with her would agree."

Her aunt, Winsome Clarke, in her eulogy, described her niece as tender, ambitious, and rare, having cultivated a passion for football at an early age and her leadership qualities having earned her the captaincy of the Excelsior women's team, with which she won three titles for the school. Her success translated to Waterhouse, where she led the club to four women's titles.

She enjoyed success among the youth ranks and was part of the senior national team in the lead-up to this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup. She also represented the country during the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Her last competitive appearances were during the Caribbean Olympic qualifying tournament, where she scored her first senior goals against Cuba and St Lucia.

Clarke was stabbed and killed on October 31. She had just turned 20 years old on October 3.