Senior Reporter
Past and present students of St Francois Girls’ College gathered in the school’s hall yesterday to honour the memory of former student Kieyanna Seechan, whose body was recovered earlier in the day after she was reported missing following a boating incident in Chaguaramas last Sunday.
Students and teachers openly wept throughout the memorial, as they reflected on the life of the 17-year-old aspiring teacher, who was remembered for her warmth, kindness and infectious smile.
Former principal Tracy Ellis said the news of Seechan’s body being found was among the saddest she had received.
“The confirmation of Kieyanna’s death has left us torn to pieces,” Ellis said.
“Kieyanna was a lovely, caring child. She was one of those beautiful girls who would always come and ask, ‘Miss Ellis, did you eat today? Miss, are you okay?’ She was always smiling whenever she saw me. Such a loving child.”
Vice-principal Stacy-Ann Smith also offered words of comfort to Seechan’s grieving family, some of whom attended the memorial and comforted students during the proceedings.
“It is hard to lose a sister, a daughter, a friend, but today we stand together not just as a school but as a family,” Smith said.
“To Kieyanna’s family, her friends, her community and her teachers, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Rest assured that we stand with you in support and love as we remember the beautiful person Kieyanna was.”
At one point, both educators were handed tissues by Soleil Blades, one of Seechan’s former classmates, as emotion overtook them while speaking.
Blades explained that the gathering had originally been intended as a prayer service for Seechan’s safe return. However, the focus shifted following news that her body had been recovered.
“Today, we are here to celebrate Kieyanna’s life,” Blades said.
“Kieyanna was more than just our classmate or someone we passed in the halls. She was our sister. I can say she was one of the best people to talk to, study with and lime with, but I think everyone here knew what her energy was like and how her smile made people feel.”
The memorial concluded with prayers, gospel music and a candle-lighting ceremony in honour of the young woman, who had hoped to become a teacher.
Seechan was one of three victims recovered yesterday. Her cousin, Amyir Ali, was found shortly after 6 am off Scotland Bay. Approximately four hours later, search teams recovered Seechan’s body. The body of Jaheim Richards was found at about 1.35 p.m.
On Thursday, searchers recovered the bodies of Anil Ahyee and Titus Augustine.
The body of Lorenzo Oliver remained missing up to yesterday evening, with search efforts continuing.
