Wearing blue and holding candles, members of Saint Lucia’s sports community gathered on Thursday evening to honour Darrion Roberts. They remembered him not just as a talented athlete but also as a selfless, energetic and caring person who made a difference across multiple sports.
During the vigil, family, athletes, coaches, colleagues, and friends shared emotional tributes. painting a picture of a man whose influence extended far beyond the court, track or playing field.
Again and again, speakers returned to the same themes: Roberts was generous, always willing to help, and made everyone feel like family.
“Darrion was much more than a sportsman,” Director of Sports Clyver Jules told those gathered. “He was a mentor, a motivator, a role model who contributed wholeheartedly to volleyball, tennis, track and field; you name the sport.”
Jules said Roberts became an integral part of Saint Lucia’s sporting community after moving to the island.
“Those who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him remember a vibrant individual whose energy, humility and love for sport and people were evident both on and off the court,” he said.
One of the most personal moments came from family member Catherlin Roberts, who shared a side of Roberts that many attendees might not have known.
To his family, he was Giovanni – a devoted grandson and caregiver who always put others’ needs before his own.
“I can see how much Giovanni was loved,” she said. “I said to one of his friends, I didn’t know we had a celebrity in our family.”
Fighting back emotion, she spoke about how he cared for her 93-year-old mother during difficult periods for the family.
“Giovanni took care of her,” she recalled. “Up to this day, my mother continues to talk about the care, the love, how he looked after her during my absence.”
She said he never hesitated to help a loved one.
“I only had to say the word, and Jefoni would try to be there for me and the rest of the family,” she said.
Richard Ambrose said Roberts’ greatest gift was his endless enthusiasm for life.
Ambrose, who knew him through dance, volleyball and athletics, often wondered how Roberts managed to juggle so many commitments.
“To see him everywhere he was, frankly, it was tiring,” Ambrose joked, prompting laughter from mourners.
Yet beneath the humour was admiration for a man who was always willing to give of himself.
“Darrion was always eager, always excited, never complained,” Ambrose said.
In a heartfelt tribute, he reflected on Roberts’ determination and relentless drive.
“You were too busy living to waste time,” he said. “You planted your gifts on every ground you touched.”
Members of the Avengers Netball Club also called Roberts the heart of their group.
They said that before anyone could post about a game in the team chat, Roberts was usually the first to respond.
“Darrion was more than just a teammate to us. He was family,” a representative said.
The club recalled his infectious energy, dedication to training and steady support for teammates.
“The word tired was never in Darrion’s vocabulary,” the tribute noted.
Saint Lucia Olympic Committee President Alfred Emmanuel said Roberts had a natural way of connecting with people wherever he went.
“Darrion was the life of the party,” Emmanuel said. “Anywhere he went, he fit in, he made himself available, he went the extra mile to assist.”
Many people at the vigil seemed to agree, as stories of kindness, mentorship, and friendship filled the evening.
While police are still investigating Roberts’ death and say a suspect is helping with inquiries, Thursday’s vigil was all about celebrating his life.
