The village of Monkey Town in Barrackpore united in grief on Sunday night, with scores of residents coming out in a show of love and support for the family of seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie.
The child’s parents, Arnold and Salisha Jogie, are in Tobago, where Angelica Saydee died after being struck by an out-of-control jet ski last Wednesday. Arnold Jogie, who was injured in the crash, remain at the Scarborough General Hospital.
But their loved ones in Trinidad were joined by residents, activists and strangers touched by the child’s 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 Assemby 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”.
“We do not know what they are going through, but we know they are feeling pain and sorrow. I am calling for the community to come together in love and forgiveness and unity,” he said.
Mahabir said it was time to go back to the old time days when everyone looked out for one another.
And he appealed to the authorities to enforce measures to protect children.
His plea was echoed by Pundit Balchand Harrykissoon, president of the Satnarine Hindu Temple, who noted that the vigil was two-fold. He said it was being held to show love for the child’s family and to call on the government to “do something” as too many children were being lost in tragic circumstances.
The Islamic faith was represented by Imam Idres of Masjid al Kareem.
Members of the South West CDRT, a community-based NGO, participated in the vigil with team leader Tally Mohammed, deputies Vanessa Ramjattan, Ricky Rampersad, and Angela Gowrie, and over 40 volunteers.
Ramjattan said, “In light of this heartbreaking incident, the group is emphasizing the critical importance of First Aid training, noting that timely and informed intervention can help save lives. South West CDRT continues to offer its services free of charge to communities in need, remaining committed to being neutral, impartial, and united in service to the nation during times of disaster and crisis.”
