Orphaned boys should stay in US, says grandmother

CHANROUTIE RAMPERSAD, mother of Philadelphia murder victim Pramatee Celestine, said yesterday she is no longer interested in seeking custody of her two grandchildren.

Chanroutie said she told her son Taran, who is in Philadelphia, to give support to the Celestine family in the custody case. The Celestines have indicated that they are willing to take care of Michael, 14, and Randi,10. At her Lopinot home yesterday, Chanroutie who has been bedridden since Tuesday, the day her daughter and son-in-law were buried in New York, said at first she was interested in bringing the boys home but now she is certain they will be better off in the United States. She said based on information passed on to her by the Philadelphia police, Michael and Randi were forced to look on when the killer shot their mother at her West Philadelphia apartment on June 17.

“I am now interested in the welfare of my grandchildren and I feel that the best place for them is with the Celestine family,” said Chanroutie. She said as far as she is concerned the children are in dire need of treatment which can only be obtained in the United States and they will be better taken care off by the Celestine family. She claimed that her son Taran told her Randi and Michael were inconsolable at the funeral of their mother and step-father. They broke down and had to be treated by doctors following the funeral. The children, who are now under the care of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, have been receiving counseling.