Voices from the Streets: Part 26- Make Every Moment Count

A tribute to my brother Reggie Dickenson

By Nixon Dickenson

Nixon Dickenson (right) and his late Brother, Reggie Dickenson

I am dedicating this week’s article in the series ‘Voices From the Streets’ to the memory of my baby brother Reggie Dickenson.  Reggie met his unfortunate demise in a car accident on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

If I had known Friday afternoon, when I drove him to the airport, that this would have been the last time I would have seen my baby brother alive, I would have held onto him and not let go.  Although I am devastated by my brother’s sudden passing and deeply hurt that my family is once again grieving the loss of our loved one, it is moments like these that I am strengthened by my faith in God, knowing that He does all things well.

As I reflected on the life of my beloved brother Reggie and the many lives he impacted, evident by the numerous messages sent through social media and phone calls, I was inspired to reach out and encourage you all to make every moment count. My brother believed in a safe and crime-free Turks and Caicos Islands.

He firmly believed that gun violence is not the answer and that our young men needed to find positive ways of resolving their differences.  Saturday, June 22, 2024, was a day like none other on the island of Providenciales. Amid the crippling pain eating at me because of Reggie’s death, I was still reminded of the ghastly presence of gun violence in our country and the fear it continues to evoke in our citizens.

There were four murders within a 48-hour period, and I could not help but feel deep sadness at the disregard for life. I also recognized that even as I was mourning for Reggie, who was in the prime of his life with so much more to accomplish, the families of these slain young men were also mourning for them and their hopes and dreams that died, too. 

Reggie was one of my greatest supporters when I began my advocacy for helping young people, especially young men, work through their issues. He believed that the young people were the future of this country, and he passionately played his part in promoting the belief that Turks and Caicos Islanders are first and nothing was too good for our people.

 In his way, my brother was an ambassador for the island of Grand Turk and his community in Palm Grove. He never missed an opportunity to brag to any visitors that they had arrived at the best destination in the Caribbean upon their arrival to the country.

Reggie extended his reach to Rotaract, where he was happy to be able to use this organisation to be of service to people and to do great things for his community. Reggie was the life of the party and gave a kind word and joy to everyone he meets. His love and light were felt within seconds of being in his presence.

Reggie was intentional about making every moment count. From choosing his outfits for each special occasion to cooking the most scrumptious meals and making the best cheesecake desserts, he remained true to his love for people and his passion for life.

My brother was not a saint, but he was a human who believed in the good of humanity and, like many of us, believed that one day, we would find the answers to the plague of gun violence that destroys the moral fabric of our society. Young people, and especially those of you who knew and loved Reggie.

I appeal to you to stop the violence and be an advocate for change. You are the key to saving the next generation; therefore, be an ambassador for what is good. At the time of his passing, Reggie was 41 years old; although he is gone, his impact and the moments he made count and will forever live on in our hearts, community and country.

I believe that we should all aspire to make every moment count in our lives so that our light will shine brightly when our time on earth has ended.  I love you, Reggie, you’ve touched many lives, and you made every moment count. Rest in eternal peace.