The Pain of Saying Goodbye Too Soon; Remembering the Shirley Street Victims

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Anthony Thompson – Brother, Beatrice Brown

“You wanna try to be positive, confident, but I’m not strong. I’m… I’m grateful that I’m even strong now.”

That was Anthony Thompson, the brother of Beatrice Brown, fighting through unimaginable grief as he remembered his younger sister during Tuesday night’s candlelight vigil.

Thompson says he stepped into the role of father after their mother’s passing, making Brown’s loss even more difficult to accept.

Tears flowed, voices trembled and hugs lingered as loved ones gathered on Shirley Street to honor the four young women who lost their lives early Sunday morning.

Photographs lined the sidewalk, teddy bears rested among bouquets of flowers, while prayers, worship and quiet reflection filled the night. Thompson says although his faith remains strong, he’s still struggling to understand why this happened.

Anthony Thompson – Brother, Beatrice Brown

“I believe in God so much, and I trust Him almost to a fault where it hurts. I’m angry, I can be honest with you. But I’m not angry enough to question who He is. I just did not see it.”

For Ciara Nabi, the sister-in-law of Stania Webb, the memories of their final conversation now replay in her mind.

Ciara Nabi – Sister-in-Law, Stania Webb

“She came in the room and said to me, ‘I’m leaving.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ Then I walked out there and said, ‘Y’all, no matter what time, call me. No matter what time, call me. If y’all need me, call me.’ They know no matter the hour, I’m coming to get them.”

The loss has also deeply impacted Apostle Anthony Smith, who watched three of the victims grow up in his church’s dance ministry. One memory now weighs heavily on his heart — a promise that was never fulfilled.

Apostle Anthony Smith – Pastor

“She came from Cat Island and texted me. She said, ‘Pastor, you coming to see me?’ I said, ‘Come to see you for what, Diamond?’ She said, ‘I have a box for you with some flower cake.’ I said, ‘I’m going to get it on Sunday.’ She said, ‘Okay,’ but Sunday never came.”

Now, this site is what remains from Tuesday night’s vigil. It stands as a powerful reminder of the four young women whose lives were tragically cut short early Sunday morning. As their families continue to grieve this unimaginable loss, they say the memories of their daughters and friends will live on forever. Reporting for Our News, I’m Chinasa Outten.