The brother of one of five people killed during a mass shooting at Harpe Place, Port-of-Spain, on March 16, wants people to cast out hate and revenge from their hearts. Imploring those who turned out yesterday to bid Pete Noray farewell to forgive those who had wronged them in any way, Roland Hutchinson said while those left behind will never forget what had occurred, “God would deal with it”.
Noray, 51, who was also known by his alias “Pecka”, was killed after gunmen opened fire on residents at an apartment complex.
Family and friends yesterday crowded into the Holy Rosary RC Church at the corner of Park and Henry Streets, Port-of-Spain, to pay their final respects to a man whom Hutchinson acknowledged was loved by many.
During the eulogy, Noray’s elder brother recalled the years of sibling exchanges the two had engaged in.
He admitted some interactions often left him questioning just who was older, as Noray had always exuded a quiet assurance and confidence which had set him apart from his siblings and friends.
Returning to the issue of forgiveness and just why it was important not to harbour ill will and hate towards others, Hutchinson said, “Unforgiveness can ruin marriages and family life.”
He urged people to look at the Cross as a sign of hope.
The congregation heard that Noray had been an avid horse lover, who would sneak off from both home and school during his youth to visit the nearby paddock at the Queen’s Park Savannah, so he could see them.
Despite this, he celebrated Noray as a loving and giving man who was a pillar of strength and love for many.
Echoing the call by Hutchinson for forgiveness, Father Matthew Dhereaux—who also officiated the funeral services for two other victims—in his homily called on mourners to open their hearts.
He said preparation was key to changing now, as there were times when people were physically present in church but their minds were wandering elsewhere.
Dhereaux asked people to think carefully and decide if they were prepared to follow Jesus Christ more deeply, by asking themselves if they were preparing to forgive or preparing for vengeance.
The funeral service for two other victims, police sargeant Larry Phillip and Randy Graves, took place on Monday while Devon Jack’s funeral was on Tuesday.