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There wasn't a dry eye at the Spanish Town Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Catherine on Monday as a grief-stricken community came together to honour the life of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon--a vibrant little girl whose life was stolen far too soon.

Affectionately known as 'Sparkie', the grade-three student was found dead inside a barrel at her home on Job Lane in Spanish Town. Her death has sent shockwaves across the nation, raising urgent questions about the safety of Jamaica's children.

Inside the church's walls yesterday, family, friends, teachers, church leaders, and schoolmates remembered a child, who, despite her short time on Earth, left an indelible mark on everyone she met.

"She was remembered as a little girl with the contagious smile that would light up her classroom," said Louise Clarke, principal of St John's Primary School, where Kelsey was a student.

"Her positive energy could always lift the spirit of those around her. She was extremely kind and loving and always sharing."

Clarke described how Kelsey had planned a treat for her classmates on May 30--a surprise that tragically never materialised.

"But that darling child was not around to enjoy the festivities of the day or to manifest her plans," she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

A gifted student with a bright future, Kelsey had recently made her school proud by placing third in a math relay competition during Math Day in March.

"She shone brightly as she represented her class... and proudly showed her medal. You could know that she was happy to have contributed," Clarke shared. "Unfortunately, that would be one of the last group photos taken of Kelsey at school."

Her cousin, Kadian Dean, offered a moving eulogy that painted Kelsey as a lively soul with a deep love for life's simple pleasures.

"She was a girly girl who adored taking pictures, dressing up and putting on make-up," Dean said.

"Her time with us was brief; her impact may never fade. So while we mourn, we also celebrate her life. We will carry her love in our hearts, share her memories, and honour her by living with the same joy and curiosity she so effortlessly embodied."

The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow, as Jamaica continues to grapple with the growing violence against children. According to reports, Kelsey was found with multiple stab wounds--a horrific end no child should ever face.

In his sermon, Pastor Navail Barrett of the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, addressed the unbearable grief that hangs heavy over Kelsey's loved ones.

"It is not a part of parents' purview or strategic plan to bury their children," he said. "We want them to live and have children, and we see our grandchildren. I want to challenge you: let us do our part and protect our children which are our heritage."

Kelsey is survived by her grieving mother Georgia Anderson, father Novel Ferrigon, and two younger sisters who, too young to understand the depth of their loss, will grow up hearing stories about the big sister whose smile could light up a room.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, lamented that Kelsey's life was cut short by an adult who should have protected her.

"Today, we say goodbye to Kelsey Ferrigon, a dream shattered, a journey cut short, a mind that will never develop, a talent that Jamaica will never benefit from," Grange said.

She emphasised that it takes a village to raise children and that Jamaicans must return to the shared values that ensure the safety of the most vulnerable in the society.

"In Kelsey's name, we must commit to resurrecting these values which kept many of us safe in the good old times in Jamaica. When the village raises a child, every child's safety is placed at the forefront of community life. When the village raises a child, every child is assured of protection, guidance, and active watchfulness," Grange said.