The principal of San Fernando TML Primary School has described the death of seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie as a heartbreaking tragedy for the school community.
In a message to parents and guardians yesterday, acting principal Wahida Mohammed-Narine said Angelica was “an A student—bright, beautiful, well-disciplined and full of promise”.
She said the child’s gentle spirit and positive presence had touched the lives of her classmates, teachers and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mohammed-Narine said the Ministry of Education, the Victoria Education District and the Student Support Services Division had committed to providing counselling and support for students, teachers and staff, particularly those in Angelica’s class and the class of her older sibling, Angelina.
The school shared photos of Angelica in the classroom and playing with her friends, and always smiling.
Mohammed-Narine said staff members and parents have been contacting the school, offering condolences to the family.
For her loved ones, who called her Saydee, the pain was immense.
In an emotional post, her aunt described the child as a “vibrant soul who brought an abundance of joy and laughter to everyone lucky enough to know her”.
The little girl with an infectious smile, she said, and a spirit as bright as the sun on the beach she loved so much.
“She reminded us all to find wonder in the small things. Though her time with us was brief, the depth of her love and the sweetness of her personality left an indelible mark on our family that can never be erased,” her relative said.
She said Angelica was a gift to the world, “and while we are devastated by her loss, we are profoundly grateful for the seven years of pure light she shared with us.
“She always brought joy to me whenever I felt down.”
The Barrackpore family was at Pigeon Point Heritage Park on Wednesday when Angelica was struck by an out-of-control jet ski around 5 p.m.
The child was in the water with her parents and uncle in an area restricted for bathing.
Her father, Arnold Jogie, and uncle, Darren Jogie, suffered injuries.
Relatives and bystanders rushed to help the child, but she died at the Scarborough General Hospital that night.
