Bullet Tree shaken by sudden death of community pillar

Having celebrated his 50th birthday on March 16, McCloud was far from over the hill. His towering and muscular six-foot six-inch built was full of life until death struck suddenly about nine o’clock Sunday morning, March 20.

A large crowd quickly converged in McCloud’s yard with the young as well as the old weeping in arms. Their cries could be heard bellowing across the hills, as they all mourn the loss of a man who was a gentle giant in stature and deed.

His sister Consie Brown recounted the last few moments shared with her brother, whom she described as a sweet and beautiful soul.

McCloud – popularly known as ‘Jus’ – died from a suspected cardiac arrest after informing a neighbour, minutes before he collapsed, that he felt his “heart lift”, Brown told Harbour News.

A few days prior to his unfortunate passing, Brown said Nev told her that he was feeling pain in his legs and they were swollen. He then sought medical treatment at his doctor in Old Harbour.

“Him tell me that the foot feel little better and him a walk on it,” she said. “Him get up Sunday morning and made a little noodle soup to take the pills; and him tell the guy next door that him feel like him heart lift.”

The last two years have been a test of faith for the family, said Brown. In 2020 their beloved mother died, while a year ago they paid final respects to their eldest brother, who passed away overseas.

But Nev was special in every way.

Eulogizing about her sibling whom she followed in birth order, Brown said: “He’s loved by everybody. He’s not the type who will get up and war, him no have that nature. But him will tell you the truth.

“When we were growing up we had life hard because we grow up without a father. Our mother work hard to tek care of the six of us, plus her mother. When our mother couldn’t go to market to sell, a ‘Jus’ she would send. Him a no the bigger one but a him will cook for us. Him love cook.”

Throughout his life McCloud was known as a cheerful giver and a willing participator in any positive and uplifting.

He was a mentor, provider and father to all though he did not produce a child of his own. Many youth in Bullet Tree became skilled masons because of McCloud. He was the chief cook on work sites, despite his seniority, while Sundays were special for many in the community as he always prepared enough food so others can partake.

“One of the guys them said (last) Sunday ‘all a di big cooking done now’,” Brown said sharing a light moment. “He was loved by everybody. Last Sunday when you si some of the young taxi guy dem cry, my God!”

McCloud has been a disciple of the Christian faith for some three decades now. Amid his journey in the body of Christ, he was resolute and committed. And though he was in high demand as a mason, he found time for prayer and fasting and was always proud to share the word of God.

Marcia Pinnock is a longtime friend and neighbour of the community pillar. McCloud was her bona fide, which many will say the same too, and “true man of God”.

“[‘Jus’] is a man who know him Bible and can pray really good,” said Pinnock, better known as ‘Miss Doreen’.

She said the entire Church of God of Prophecy family at Bowers is extremely sadden by the untimely loss of their dear brother.

“Him love God and him love people,” Pinnock beamed with pride. “He’s a loving guy in the community, very loving. Down to the very baby must miss ‘Jus’. Old and young miss ‘Jus’.”

Indeed, such a human being will be sorely missed and it is clear that his death has shaken Bullet Tree at its very core.