Yesterday evening, Merv was shot and killed in front of his home on Brooklyn Avenue. We often lament the levels of violence that our society has come to. The anger in the streets, in particular among our youth is palpable and we have reached a point where we can label many of them as depraved. This, and other incidents bring home how tenuous our hold on life is. We lament the loss of our players and arrangers. So too should we mourn when a strong supporter is taken from us.

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  • Well it seems to me as another senseless tragedy of a much respected person,not only in the steelpan community, but also as a decent citizen of  New York and the USA. What are we coming to when one cannot walk the streets without a fear for their lives? My condolences go out to his family and friends!!! Stay Strong!!

  • I hope the killer is found and taking care of. I'm sorry to hear such madness, we will miss you Merv. Have fun in heaven.
  • My condolences go out to the Johnson family. May the ancestors guide them in their moment of grief. "A people who don't know their culture will always be lost to destroy their elders."
  • My deepest condolences to Merv's family, friends and the New York Steelband Community. What a Tragedy!
  • My god!!!!!! May he rest in peace!!!!! Such a tragedy
  • My deepest condolence to the family.......
  • Condolences to Merv's family and friends. We mourn with you and share your sorrow
    and pray that The Most High one will give you comfort and strength and a bridhter tomorrow.
    Blessed Love
  • Having suffered a great loss ourselves to violent criminals, on behalf of Southern Marines I extend deepest condolences to the Pan community in New York and to Merv's family. We understand the pain.
  • Condolences to his family we are all family in the steelpan community.
  • I am very sorry to hear of this tragic passing. Not knowing Merv, I still know he must have been a very special person and will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to his loved ones and to all who knew him.
    This world is indeed getting crazier and crazier, and we all need to love one another each & every day, as due to no fault of our own, we could easily be victim to thoughtless violence, too. So make each day count...it could be your last on this Earth!
    I count myself lucky to have lived up there in NYC for over 20 years, and I only got mugged once. But this crazy violence happens every where now...drugs are epidemic and the culture of materialism over-rides decency and caring about others. So very sad.
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