Deportee Commits Suicide

Subject: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 6:43 am

The deportee who committed suicide

A deported Liberian from the United States of America (USA) believed to be in his early 30s hanged himself yesterday in the premises of the Duport Road Baptist Church just in front of the Nigerian UNMIL Check-post on Duport Road.

The death of Aaron Kennedy Marleh, known as ‘American or Biggy-yo’ stunned the entire community when a huge crowd pulled on the scene not knowing what would have led to the death of this promising young man.

According to his aunt, Inspector Josephine Kennedy of the Moto-view unit at the Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters, her nephew was among some 17 deportees from the USA in 2005.

Giving her account of her nephew, Aaron, to the Homicide Division of the LNP and UNMIL who had gone to inspect the body, Insp. Kennedy said Aaron was far from them apparently due to his father’s influence over him and would only come around when he needed money.

She said that the deceased was about 10 years old when he was taken to the USA by his father, Amos Marleh, but due to some adverse reasons, he was deported and his deceased mother, Yassah Kennedy knew little about her son’s whereabouts until he had spent over six months in Liberia.

Insp. Kennedy stated further that he was residing with a pastor but after getting in contact with his mother who he did not know, he complained that the place where he resided was not conducive for him therefore his mother re-located him to an apartment on another side of the same Duport Road.

She said that her sister, Yassah died few months later of heart attack and that Aaron was left as a way-ward growing adult in the Paynesville Community.

The late Aaron was known for several activities especially in the Duport Road Community. According to residents of the community, he was first a converted Christian who would go around evangelizing or teaching in Sunday schools at the Church.

Later, Aaron’s lifestyle changed and he joined other friends and went around the community singing secular music so that people would give him handouts.

According to bystanders at the scene yesterday, Aaron who was almost 6.5 feet tall was a huge and healthy man when he was deported home but he began deteriorating gradually due to the constraints and his living condition in Liberia.

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 6:47 am

This has broken me down today....it has really mad my day sad... why a struggling young man, why in front of the church...why was he deported back to Liberia in the first.
I think this should give reason for the America Government rethink if deportation is the best option for some one who has lived in America all his life (eg. 3yrs-25)...

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 6:53 am

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 6:54 am

coincidentally, i was talking to a friend who just started this org, deported diaspora. he asked whether i knew of deportees and their situation in liberia. i will send story to him. he had similar questions like u, ross.

Joined : 24 Apr 2008 Posts : 719 My Mood :

Does anyone know exactly why this young man took his own life?

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 7:03 am

here is the link krazzy, but it's sadden. This guy was trying to do some thing with his life. This was what the community people said about him "he never bothered anyone around here. He always sang sang and rapped for us. someimes he would say to you gimme ten dollars to buy something to eat; I will not forget you when I go back to the United States. I catching hard time, but I know I will go back".

http://www.theinquirer.com.lr/news_details.php?recordID=5117

Joined : 24 Apr 2008 Posts : 719 My Mood :

Damn. That is sad. On a somewhat related note though, our news writers need to let go of this fascination with describing evrey detail (ie. his "private part" etc)

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 7:09 am

Well, I thing its because of the hardship he was going through here. People mentally here is that when they deport you from America, your a criminal, drug addict, useless person. Because they can't imaging, how will you go to such a place and come here. Its like from heaven to hell.... Even family here will neglect you. These perceptions of America and why people get deported are wrong...... It could be because of paper...

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 7:09 am

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 7:18 am

i agree ross. that is done out of ignorance. even our associated national institutions have this inclination. remember the group that sat before the Bureau of Immigration for days? People came by and watch them like immigration had opened a zoo.

i think the guy was depressed mehn-not an authority on this but considering the way yarkpa attacking everbody...the first place of consolation is the church. pray and fast-ask and u shall recieve. hear what they are saying-he would evangelize, then ask for ten bucks to eat...sad o.

that kinda mentality permeates our society. see all the churches that are growing like mushrooms-they have a similar anthem-come ye disconsolate...

sad situation but there is even an internal parallel. since the war, some people have not regained their strength to face society and 'hustle'. disappointed at economic loss. hmm. Sad

Joined : 02 May 2008 Posts : 163 My Mood :

Very sad.

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 8:43 am

Yea Krazzy, u right, and as a Sociologist am still wondering why the church..And like you said, our churches now a day, gives people fake hope, "everything going to be all right", prosperity gospel, and the like are all fake... When some weak minded fall for these lies and give into it, but realize life situation hasn't change, in fact things get worst... he/she has not option... Government should do some thing about the wide spread of increase of churches around here..

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 9:38 am

Subject: Re: Deportee Commits Suicide Thu May 29, 2008 9:39 am

I agree though his case it sad and something needs to be done to help with those being deported to intergrate into the society back home a little more easily.
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Joined : 02 Apr 2008 Posts : 1070 My Mood :

Oh poor Marleh...May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest inperfect peace and light perpetual shine on him.