“Our family will never be the same again.”
These were the words of a relative of seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie, who was killed in a jet ski accident while on holiday in Tobago on Wednesday.
Relatives gathered to hold a wake for the child at her home in Barrackpore yesterday.
The child’s death has sent shock waves through the close-knit community.
Family members described the loss as devastating, noting the child was cherished not only by immediate relatives but by the wider family circle and community.
As arrangements were being made for the family’s return, relatives say they are focused on providing strength and support during what they expect will be an emotional homecoming.
When the Express visited the community where the Jogie family resides yesterday, relatives choked back tears as they spoke of their love for the little girl and how hurt the family was over her death.
Two relatives, who did not wish to give their names, expressed immense love and pride over the child, whom they said had brought joy to those around them, making the loss even more difficult to comprehend.
One said, “This (incident) has already changed the life of the family. Every day from now on, we are going to cry. Life will not be the same again.”
Another relative said, “This hurt me so, I don’t know what to say. Words cannot even express the hurt I feel. But I know I would not want another family to have to go through what this family has to.”
The relative urged the authorities to improve safety measures for bathers, and ensure that there will never be a repeat of such a tragedy.
“We want justice and for something to be done about this jet ski and bathers side by side. A rope is not enough to protect the bathers from jet skis; that is putting the bathers’ lives at risk.
“Designate a different area for them or ban them from there. The family is hurting so much that it is hard to even come to terms with how they are hurting,” said the relative.
Another relative, Steven Paul, who is the cousin of Angelica’s father, Arnold Jogie, said safety was a priority for the Jogie family.
“The day before they left Tobago, I spoke to him, and he said he always stayed close to his children.
“For the most, the children would be just a hand’s length away from him. They only go into the water with him.
“Both mother and father are so protective of their children,” said Paul.
“When I got the news, I started to shake-physically and mentally. Right now, I am trembling just talking about it. The whole village is in a state of shock. Since the night of the incident, our village has been coming together to keep a wake for this innocent child,” said Paul.
Angelica’s father has been hospitalised since the incident, and relatives expressed hope that he would be discharged soon.
