Murdered schoolgirl given fairytale send-off

Ramkissoon was laid to rest yesterday at the Brazil Village Cemetery after a funeral service at the Brazil Faith Assembly International, Talparo Trace 2, Brazil Village. Her body was borne in a white carriage.

When asked about the symbolism of the carriage, one person said since she was not married and had no children, the relatives wanted a “princess farewell”.

The young student of North Eastern College, Sangre Grande, was found dead exactly one week in some bushes at Balata Trace, Talparo. She had missed her bus and was believed to have sought transport with a PH (private hire) driver. She was never seen alive again. Ramkissoon, also known as “Slim” or “Slimmers” but, despite her petite size, was never a follower but a leader.

Fifth Form Dean at North Eastern College, Paula Gonzales, described Ramkissoon as a “beautiful soul” who had tonnes of ambition. During her speech, Gonzales said she told her students that evil and death had no boundaries.

She said the reason while teachers sometimes “came down” on students, they appreciate them and were happy that they are in their lives.

But it was Kaiel Jones’ message to his friend that brought the tears flowing even more.

Jones was accustomed to sitting next to Ramkissoon every morning.

He was so distraught he could barely get his words out.

“Words cannot describe the way I am feeling. You always said to be strong, but I can’t be strong. I remember we would talk about our dreams and aspirations, what we would drive, where we would live, how we would get our families out of poverty,” Jones wept.

“She was the realist person I knew.

Baby girl, I love you very much,” were Jones’ last words to his friend.

Member of Parliament for La Horquetta/Talparo, Maxie Cuffie, who attended the service, said because someone snuffed out the life of Ramkissoon, it should not be a reason to mourn, but to celebrate the dedication and perseverance of a young lady who was dedicated to improving herself to family and God.

During the eulogy, Aminater Pierre said while most young girls focussed on their looks to forge ahead, Ramkissoon, always gorgeous, according to her friend, always trained her eyes on her school work.

“I will always look up to her because she was always humble and smart. Relative Patricia Amoroso, did not mince her words.

“You (family) can still walk tall and strong and know that you brought up a daughter you can be proud of.

To the creature who took her life, you are the dirt under the toe nails of Satan. No matter what evil walks among us, you (parents) created an angel,” Amoroso said.

Also present for the service was President Anthony Carmona and several members of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers” Association.