In an ecumenical service at the behest of Management on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Holforth field, Tiko, members of the Administration and the public joined the entire CDC family, to pray for the repose of the souls of the victims who lost their lives in the horrendous accident of October 12, 2013. The solemn ceremony was presided over by a host of clergymen from different denominations within the Tiko municipality.
Included in the solemn package was also the speedy recovery of those responding to treatment at various hospitals, fortitude for the bereaved families as well as the CDC community to bear the irreparable loss. Courage, wisdom and inspiration for the General Manager to be able to pilot the affairs of the Corporation successfully in this trying moment were equally the triune spiritual elements invoked by the men of God.
The event was another painful moment to bear especially for those who participated at the ecumenical Service. As many filed past the portraits of the 20 we lost, the impact was not only devastating but also compellingly sorrowful.
Drawing inspiration from the scriptures, Jn 11: 17-27, Reverend Father Nicholas Nanji did not mince words as he pointed out in a frank exhortation the ills that have eaten deep into the very foundation of society and rendered moral scruples a foreign element of our being instead of the other way round. As each officiating Pastor took turn to condole, console and encourage the bereaved families, the survivors and Management, few people could resist the unpleasant experience of sadness for such loss at the prime of life.
Earlier, the General Manager of the Corporation, Franklin Ngoni Njie, was called upon to tell the congregation why we were gathered at the Holforth field on that memorable Saturday, October 26, 2013. In a solemn presentation he recounted the events that have characterized the unfortunate situation and made mention of the minute by minute development of the state of the survivors discharged and those still under medical care in various hospitals.
It should be recalled that very early on Saturday, October 12, 2013, the entire CDC family stood face to face with a rude shock as the news of a ghastly motor accident involving a CDC personnel carrier and a tipper loaded with sand spread like wild fire throughout the National territory. The CDC personnel carrier was routinely ferrying workers of the CDC Missellele Rubber Estate to work at 5:30 am that morning when it met with this unfortunate calamity. The scene was not only traumatizing but also very embarrassing as the public, especially the press, wanted Management to furnish them with a situation report while frantic efforts were being made to ensure that the right information is given to the public.
In a communiqué signed by the General Manager, not only detailed information on the situation was given to the public (See Box) but the CDC flag was flown at half mast up to October 27, 2013.
One of the many experiences that remain indelible in our memory is the wonderful show of solidarity from the forces of Law and Order, the Army, the medical personnel and the public as a whole.
The General Manager, on behalf of the CDC Family, continues to express gratitude for this gesture.
May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace….