Philadelphia couple to be buried today

Murdered Trinidadian businesswoman Pramatee Celestine, who was shot dead at her Philadelphia apartment last Tuesday, will be laid to rest alongside her husband Eugene Celestine following a funeral service today. Eugene was also shot dead by the same man who killed Pramatee. Newsday learned that Eugene’s mother finalised all arrangements for the funeral yesterday. Seeta Rampersad, the sister of Pramatee Celestine was able to secure a US visa late yesterday to travel to the United States for the funeral. Yesterday, she pleaded with members of the public to assist her in purchasing a ticket. An emotional Rampersad told Newsday that she was able to secure the visa around 2.30 pm, after receiving assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She added that the US Embassy was also helpful.

Rampersad said that she desperately needed to see the face of her sister for the last time. The grieving woman pointed out that even if she misses the funeral, she intends to travel to Philadelphia to secure the interests of her two nephews Randy,10, and Michael, 14. She pointed out that it is her intention to seek custody of the two boys because her sister would have wanted that. The suspect in the two murders will appear in court on Wednesday. On Sunday, Chandroutee Rampersad, the mother of Pramatee missed her flight to the US. Yesterday, she was busy trying to arrange to travel to the States in time for the funeral.