Jai’s son released: $120,000 ransom paid

Six days of trauma for the Ramkissoon family of Mausica ended at 5.15 am yesterday, when kidnap victim Syam Ramkissoon was freed by kidnappers after a ramson was paid at a quarry close to Aripo.

Syam, 26, who spent six days in captivity in the Valencia Forest, blindfolded, gagged and kept under a shed surrounded by fierce mosquitoes, was dropped off at Aripo early yesterday where he was picked up by his father, poultry magnante Jai Ramkissoon. He was examined by a doctor who treated him for shock and prescribed medication for mosquito bites and cuts to his feet. Syam, who was surrounded by his wife of three months, Valia, his mother Sumintra, sister Sharon and other relatives was unavailable for an interview yesterday. He claimed that he was too shaken up to say anything at this time. Outside the sprawling mansion, Jai Ramkissoon sipped on a drink of whiskey and coconut water and cried tears of joy at the release of his son. He told Newsday that he is the only father in Trinidad and Tobago whose two children were kidnapped at different times. His daughter Sharon was allegedly kidnapped 17 years ago.

According to Ramkissoon, he was contacted by the kidnappers on Wednesday afternoon and told to go to the Barataria Roundabout. He explained that he was then given instructions to go to the lookout at the Lady Young Road, Morvant, and when he arrived there he was instructed to drive to a quarry in the east. On his arrival there he was told to place the ransom money in a drum and await further instructions. A relieved Ramkisson said that he returned to his home and awaited word from the kidnappers. At 4.50 am, he received a telephone call instructing him to go to Aripo, where he saw his son Syam standing under a bus shed. “Syam was weak, disoriented and had to be lifted into the car,” said Ramkissoon. He pointed out that Syam was fed some water and on his arrival at home he was met by his mother Sumintra, his wife Valia and sister Sharon. They all hugged him and prayed before he met with other relatives who had gathered at the house.

Yesterday, Ramkissoon reiterated that the police did nothing to assist him during the kidnapping, and added that he has no confidence in the Anti Kidnapping Squad. He revealed that posting two officers permanently at his house after Syam was kidnapped was a total waste of time. The chicken magnate feels that not enough effort was made to search for his son although information was received by the police that his son was being kept somehere in the east. The father of two said that he is hoping that he will never have to relive that experience again. As tears streamed down his face, Ramkissoon claimed that his son suffered emotionally and physically during his stay with kidnappers and was fed only snacks. He said that Syam was beaten on the head with a gun butt and asked how many farms his father owned. “I only own one farm, and I am not as financially secure as some people feel,” said Ramkissoon. He thanked all those who supported and prayed for Syam. Yesterday, AKS officers claimed that Ramkissoon was uncooperative during the investigation, and did things without informing the police. The cops said they were informed that a $120,000 ransom was paid for the release of Syam. The kidnappers, had initially demanded $2 million and then decreased the figure to $500,00.