One life lost on Bermuda’s roads is one too many. But when a young life is lost the impact of that loss runs deeper.
Tributes continue to pour in for Kijani Burgess, the young man who tragically lost his life this week, in a fatal road crash at the tender age of 16.
The accident occurred on Monday, January 13, marking the first road traffic fatality on Bermuda’s roads in 2020, when the young teen’s 50cc motorcycle collided with a taxi and a fire truck racing to the scene of another accident.
Since his death, his 11th grade classmates at Bermuda Institute have decided to turn their pain into a purpose to create a legacy for Kijani.
A spokesperson said: “We encourage everyone to wear something blue, his favorite color, on Friday for Kijani and for all other road fatalities island wide. If it is not possible for you to wear blue, we encourage you to write in a blue color pen.
“His life will not go in vain and our main goal is to create awareness for what happened to Kijani and all road fatalities that have happened. Please use the hashtag #PainIntoPurpose.”
Meanwhile, former teachers who taught Kijani along the way, were encouraged by well known Bermudian artist extraordinaire to recall their memories of this young man on social media.
Ms Wilson published the following on her Facebook page: “If you remember Kijani Burgess, you are invited to leave a message, or thought.
“While I appreciate the comments of the Facebook Community, I would like to reserve this space for those who knew him I realize that teens do not use FB much…. but there are teachers and others.
“His family might appreciate reading your thoughts about him and his life in the weeks to come. Thanks for your understanding.”
She then wrote: 
Author Sharon Wilson I first met Kijani in Primary1 at Heron Bay Primary School.
“He was the first to die on our roads this year, 2020 and the second young boy to die, who I also taught while at Heron Bay.
“I had not seen him in the intervening years. For me he will always be frozen in time as a beautiful little boy. If I listen really hard, I can still hear his voice….”
Another blogger wrote: Raziya Swan “I have been interacting with Kijani for the last six years at our church.”
