Families battle for sons

Felix Diaz, the twin brother of the Trinidadian man who shot dead his former common-law wife and her husband in Philadelphia a fortnight ago, will travel to Philadelphia over the weekend to seek custody of his nephews Michael 13, and Randi 10, who were orphaned following the death of their mother, Pramatee.

A hearing for custody of the children was listed for yesterday in the Philadelphia Family Court. Relatives of Felix said yesterday  he has obtained a US visa, and has stated his intention to seek custody of  the two boys. They claimed that they have pooled together money to ensure that Felix is able to stay in Philadelphia to attend the custody hearings. The Diaz family of Fishing Pond, Sangre Grande, is contending that the children are the offspring of Cyprian Diaz, and they belong with the Diaz family. They claimed that they are best suited to look after the children. However, the Rampersad family of Lopinot are claiming that it would have been the wish of Pramatee for the children to be returned to Trinidad, and be taken into the care of her mother Chandroutee. They feel that the children will be able to return to a normal lifestyle because they will be surrounded by people who love them.

The boys who are in the care of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, were taken to the funeral of their mother and stepfather on Wednesday in New York. Relatives said yesterday that Randi, 10, who witnessed the shooting death of his mother is undergoing treatment for shock, and is being counselled. Chanroutee Rampersad,  grandmother of the boys is bed ridden at her Lopinot home and was advised by doctors that she should not travel due to her condition. Her son Taran Rampersad who attended the funeral of his sister on Tuesday, called his mother and informed her that the service was an emotional one. He said he was happy to pay his last respects to his sister. Tarran is expected back home in two weeks, and will await word from his mother on when to petition the court to seek custody.