By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE gruesome plane crash in Grand Bahama nearly a month ago, which claimed the lives of nine people, is still fresh in the minds of Bahamians as the final goodbyes will said at memorial and funeral services tonight and tomorrow.

On November 9, the executive Learjet 36 carrying world-renowned Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI) president Dr Myles Munroe, 60, and his wife Ruth, crashed at a junk yard at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

The plane went down around 5.10pm, having left Nassau just after 4pm.

Also on board the ill-fated flight were BFMI vice-president Dr Richard Pinder, newly-ordained youth pastors Lavard “Manifest” Parks, his pregnant wife Radel and their son Johanan, five, pilot Captain Stanley Thurston, co-pilot Franhkan Cooper and US citizen Diego DeSantiago. On their way to a conference, they all died immediately on impact.

A preliminary investigation into the plane crash last week highlighted the deteriorating weather conditions that reduced visibility, resulting in a missed landing on the aircraft’s second approach to the airport.

As soon as the news broke, condolences from around the world began to pour in. Prime Minister Perry Christie held an impromptu press conference where he said he was both shocked and saddened by the untimely deaths. The prime minister remembered Dr Munroe as a man of “immense charisma and persuasive appeal”.

Mr Christie said that although he and Dr Munroe disagreed on things over the years, he saw him as a friend and spiritual mentor.

Additionally, superstars including international gospel recording artist Yolanda Adams, actor/director Tyler Perry and pop group One Republic expressed condolences reflecting on the impact that the inspirational speaker and author had on their lives.

In the midst of an emotional reaction from various corners of the world, people waited to hear from the victims’ loved ones. When the silence was finally broken, the strength shown on the part of relatives, who spoke publicly as they mourned, was inspirational while at the same time saddening.

Most memorable was the very first time that Dr Munroe’s son, Myles Chairo Munroe Jr, addressed those gathered at a conference in Grand Bahama.

It was the same conference that the fallen passengers were traveling to and had planned to attend for the entire week. Dr Munroe had organised the annual event.

Following the tragedy, church members decided to only hold the event until Wednesday.

On the final day, three days after the crash, Chairo, flanked by his sister Charisa, loved ones and church members, said he was not hopeless.

He told the crowd: “I would like to make it known that although we are grieving our losses and are deeply saddened by this tragedy, we have never been, nor will we ever feel hopeless.

“There is no question in our hearts that the spirits of the nine persons whose lives were taken are now resting with our heavenly Father. We rejoice for we know they are in a better place watching over all of us and rejoicing among Heavenly angels.”

In an interview with The Tribune in the week of the crash, the twin sister of Mrs Parks, Ranel Pierre, said she was still living in denial. At times overcome by grief, Mrs Pierre recalled the last day that she spent time with the family.

She said she never imagined that the ill-fated Sunday would be the last time she would see her sister, nephew and brother-in-law.

Funeral services for the crash victims began last week. The only victims yet to be buried are Dr and Mrs Munroe.

A five-hour memorial service for the couple will take place this afternoon at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium from 6pm. Doors open at 5pm.

Yolanda Adams is expected to make an appearance as the headlining performance, closing the memorial, according to Kevin Harris of Harris Media Group, the firm handling the public relations.

Local performers to take the stage include Vision, The Original Visionaries, Orlando “Landlord” Miller, Simeon Outten from Grand Bahama and Bishop Denczil Rolle & Friends.

Mr Christie, Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Attorney General Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson and the president of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev Ranford Patterson will bring remarks.

Several of Dr Munroe’s international speaking friends will also pay respects including Susane Hinn, the wife of Benny Hinn, an American televangelist.

Creflo Dollar is expected to bring the keynote address.

BFMI officials have said both tonight’s memorial and the funeral service tomorrow at 10am are open to the public.

Live streaming of the services will be available at http://www.lifestream.tv/bfmi/.