Deputy PM attends memorial service for American tourist killed in Exuma Island

Exuma, Bahamas – The Honourable Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, attended a memorial service for three American tourists, Mr. and Mrs. Michael, Mr. Robbie Phillips and Mr. Vincent Chiarella, who passed away during their stay at Sandals. This was also a memorial service for Mrs. Donnis Chiarella, who is recovering from her illness.

The prayer service, led by the Exuma Christian Church, was held on Monday, May 16, at the Ebenezer Union Baptist Church in Farmers Hill.

The event was attended by local government officials, Sandals management and staff, and community stakeholders.

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said the nation mourns the deaths and prays for the recovery of the survivors.

“The Phillips are from Tennessee and are no strangers to Exuma Island. They consider it their home away from home. They have been here many times and have arranged for many people to come and learn about our beautiful paradise,” the deputy prime minister said.

He noted that the Chiarellas, a couple from Alabama, also loved Exuma and decided to spend their wedding anniversary on the island, and that’s when something “incredible” happened.

“As we mourn the loss of these three loved ones, words cannot adequately express our deep sorrow over this tragedy,” he said. “We know there is nothing we can do to heal this family’s broken hearts, so we pray that God gives them strength.”

He found that many people came to Exuma, fell in love with the island and developed lasting and meaningful relationships with Bahamians.

Responding to the tragedy, he said there are things in life that “perplex us” and when a loved one dies, often no explanation or understanding can adequately account for it.

“What we know as a family and a community is that there is a greater purpose to all things that we often cannot infer with our limited vision. Our Creator, our Heavenly Father, should know why good people are often taken away before we are ready to let them go.” (BIS Photo/Kemuel Stubbs)