Gone, but never to be forgotten: Special garden dedicated to murder victim

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Former colleagues of murder victim Malcolm Outerbridge have created a garden in his memory at the Arboretum — and yesterday the teenager’s family officially opened the space.

Loved ones gathered to watch in the midday heat as the 18-year-old’s parents, Malcolm Sr and Kaywell, and his sister Malcishia, 21, cut the ribbon to declare “Malcolm’s Garden” open.

They were flanked by Public Works Minister Michael Weeks and members of the five-strong Department of Parks team who tend the Arboretum and got to know Malcolm when he worked there as a student volunteer and intern.

Former Anglican Bishop Ewen Ratteray led a prayer, while Mr Weeks told those gathered that Malcolm’s attitude and willingness to learn was a “true inspiration” to those he worked with.

“They asked management if they could put this park together ... to show the love and dedication that he showed,” said Mr Weeks. “This is their way of remembering him.”

Supervisory foreman Roger Parris said Malcolm was open to doing any kind of work and was so willing and capable that a thank you party was held for him at Government House in 2009, when he was presented with a pair of pruners.

“He had his challenges but that’s what we enjoyed, because the guys got in and showed him the right way,” said Mr Parris, who was Malcolm’s coach and mentor.

He added that a number of youngsters have since benefited from the Department of Parks’ student summer programme, with 18-year-old Eboné Weeks taking part this year, the first female to do so.

Mr Parris led the Outerbridge family around the garden, pointing out a plaque which tells visitors that Malcolm, who died in October last year, is “gone but surely not forgotten”.

Nearby panels show how workers have transformed the once neglected area of the park.

Mrs Outerbridge told The Royal Gazette: “I was emotional once I saw the sign. The sign was sent to me for proofing. When I tweaked it, they put it word for word.

“The garden itself is so amazing — when you think about what it was and what it is now. It is so nice, with the different types of flowers. The serenity of it is beautiful.”

It has been eight months since Mrs Outerbridge lost her beloved son. She said: “Every day is different. It’s just unfortunate that young lives are just snatched.

“It’s mixed emotions but we take one day at a time. We just have to keep the faith and hold our heads up high. I’m just thankful that I did have him and so thankful that I have a daughter.

“Having children is such a bonus. It’s such a shame that I’m such an advocate for children and I couldn’t save my own child.”

Mrs Outerbridge, an executive secretary for a small oil company, said her son was “always good company” and she missed the “simple stuff” most, such as dancing around the kitchen with him.

She visits his grave at St John’s in Pembroke three times a week and reads scripture and poetry to him.

“I think he’d be very pleased today,” she said. “He’s up there smiling right now. He’s saying ‘yes, mommy, they did it for me!’.”

Mr Outerbridge Sr said: “I’m very touched by this. It’s very pretty; it’s somewhere where people can go and sit off. There’s even a butterfly section. I think it’s a very nice idea that they have done this.

“I just wish he was here, to tell you the truth. We do miss him a lot.”

* Rashaun Codrington, 16, has been charged with Malcolm’s murder and is due to stand trial later this year.

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