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Memorial Service for Campbell Bridges
Mourners remember Campbell's contributions to Kenya and his calls for improved security at the mines.
The memorial service for Campbell Bridges was held August 21st at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by family, friends, Kenyan Chamber of Mines members, ICA members, government officials, embassy officials, miners, and members of the gemstone community.
Noted speakers at the service included Kenyan Commissioner of Mines & Geology Dr. Bernard Ropp who spoke of Campbell Bridges' dedication in working in very harsh terrain in order to develop and promote the gemstone mining sector in Kenya.
Cedric Simonet, Vice Chairman, Kenya Chamber of Mines, spoke of Campbell as someone who worked tirelessly, "not just for himself, but for all miners, the gemstone industry and the development of his country, Kenya". He noted that Campbell was a founding member of the Kenya Chamber of Mines and its first chairman. "As member of the Chamber, Campbell has always been helping his fellow miners, offering advice and support. Security among the mining communities, not only his, but all mining communities, was among his major concerns," said Simonet. He also noted that Campbell had been advocating for more law enforcement for the mining sector and for the creation of mining police; he vowed that the Chamber would continue his fight for better mining legislation and security.
Member of Parliament and Government Assistant Chief Whip Hon. Johnson Muthama, who is also an ICA member, made it clear that the government must take measures to better Kenyan mining laws and create greater security in the mining areas. He also stated that, "I want to call upon my colleagues in leadership to commit themselves to teaching the people they lead for the laws of the land to be obeyed."
ICA Ambassador to Kenya Susie Kennedy recalled that Campbell, who had discovered tsavorite in Tanzania and Kenya, had spoken to her about his dream for Africa. "His dream was to continue to mine tsavorite, process it, market it around the world, and to train Kenyans to mine, process the gem and much more. I ask that all of us join hands to keep Campbell's dream alive," she said.
Other speakers honoring Campbell at the ceremony included former Commissioner of Mines & Geology Wilson Siambi, H.E. Donald Teitelbaum US Ambassador to Ghana, and the Hon. Beth Mugo, Minister of Public Health & Sanitation who made assurances that the government is concerned about the murder of Campbell and will continue the investigation.
Following the service ICA hosted a wake at a nearby hotel for family and friends where Campbell's favorite music and songs were played, his favorite drinks served and stories celebrating his life were shared. ICA members Jasmeer Choda and Alice Muthama gave moving tributes to Campbell, including a poem written for him by Robert Weldon which was read by Jasmeer at the wake.
For Memorial Service Picture Gallery click here.
Photo by Robert Weldon. © Gemological Institute of America. Reprinted by permission.
A Gem is Returned
Gems from this red earth, uncovered
Campbell brought us these:
Green garnet from her breast, discovered,
He brought for us to please.
Adventurer since his life began,
Reluctantly, we yield this man.
A fighter, though he's now at peace,
Red earth, to you, we must release.
He's one with Africa at last,
A gem returned to soil.
Into her bosom much too fast,
No earthly job to toil.
Red earth, embrace this lovely gem,
It's our request, his requiem.
by Robert Weldon
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