SAN FERNANDO TML Primary School remembered seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie on the first day of the new school term yesterday, with staff members and students offering prayers and observing a moment of silence.
In an emotional address, principal Wahida Mohammed-Narine shared the news of the child’s passing, leaving students and teachers in tears.
Her older sister, Angelina Sophie, is also a student at the school.
Mohammed-Narine led a session with Maulana Firoze Indarjali sharing a story titled “Angelica, the Angel in Heaven”.
The story offered spiritual comfort and helped students process their emotions, the Express was told.
“It is okay to feel sadness, while also holding onto hope in Allah’s mercy,” she said.
Mohammed-Narine said prayers were offered for students, teachers, parents, and the Jogie family.
“A moment of silence was observed, allowing all students and staff the opportunity to offer personal prayers for little Angelica, her sister Angelina and their parents. This solemn moment reflected the deep love and solidarity within our school community,” she said.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association were present, along with guidance counsellors and mental health officers of the South West Regional Health Authority.
“Students expressed their love and sympathy through heartfelt letters and handmade cards for the family and classmate Angelina, demonstrating empathy, kindness, and emotional maturity,” Mohammed-Narine said.
Meanwhile, the community of Barrackpore is preparing to bring home their daughter Angelica who died in a tragic jet ski incident at Pigeon Point Heritage Park in Tobago last Wednesday.
Her parents, Arnold and Salisha Jogie, and older sister, Angelina, would also return home.
Eyewitnesses said the child was struck in the face when the out of control jet ski crossed the barrier and entered an area designated for bathers.
And even with immediate assistance from a doctor and treatment at hospital, Angelica died.
Her father suffered injuries and was treated at the Scarborough General Hospital.
Candlelight vigil
The village of Monkey Town in Barrackpore united in grief on Sunday night, with dozens of residents coming out in a show of love and support for her family.
The child’s parents were still in Tobago, but their loved ones in Trinidad were joined by residents, activists and strangers touched by her tragic death, in a candlelight vigil.
Children led the procession, candles in hand, along Cottage Road, to the family’s home where religious leaders gathered.
Dr Raghunath Mahabir, of Believers Assembly Church, who opened the procession said the community was in pain and wanted to show their support to the family.
“The different religions are all here for the sake of humanity,” he said.
Mahabir said members of the Christian, Islamic and Hindu organisations in the community were represented “to carry the pain with the family”.
