Bunny Francis, the pan-Africanist

HIS ADVENTURES in the murky waters of the local fisheries industry have been well reported since his murder last week Saturday. However, there is nothing unclear about Roderick 'Bunny' Francis impact as hundreds turned out to support his family and show their respect at the Kingston Parish Church on Saturday.

Musician and instructor Michael 'Ibo' Cooper's reflections on Francis stemmed from decades of camaraderie.

"He was a very kind man. He cared for a lot of people," Cooper said.

Francis mentored and supported several children who were not biologically his throughout his life and many of those young men and women were present for his funeral.

Cooper also emphasised his commitment in the early days of reggae music.

"He was integral to the forming of the Inner Circle Band. He was a big music lover and active in the earlier days of reggae music," the musician noted.

Inner Circle was one of the most successful reggae bands to emerge out of Jamaica in the late 1960s. Cooper played with the band whose members included the Lewis Brothers, Ian and Roger, and Jacob 'Killer' Miller.

A side some are not familiar with was Francis, the pan-Africanist.

"He learnt well from his father, Roderick Sr, who we called Pilot. That man was a black liberator and a militant pan-Africanist who mentored all of us," said Cooper. He recalled his lessons with Francis on African history and current affairs and described Francis as a "proud and strong" man.

Continue to fight injustice

Francis' son, Sean, described him as "a very loving father" and a good human being. The film-maker pledged to continue to do positive work and to fight against injustice in the society.

"Is this kind of thing we a work to prevent," he said.

On the day of his death, gunmen waited for Francis to exit his Queen's Way home in St Andrew, then attacked him. Sixty-six-year-old Francis was rushed to the Andrews Memorial Hospital, but died while receiving treatment. Francis had reportedly been receiving death threats prior to the attack. No one has been charged in connection with his murder.

The former head of B&D Trawling, a major exporter of conch and other fish produce, was given tributes by employee Angela Davis and friends Gayle Nelson and Barry Johnson, among others.