Murdered man cremated

An autopsy revealed he died from a single gunshot wound to the back of his head. Richard was reported missing from his Couva home two Sundays ago by his father. It was an emotional Selwyn who read his son’s eulogy at the funeral service held at Christ Castle, Miracle Ministries in Chaguanas.

While supported by his other son Bryan, the distraught father said it was the hardest thing he ever had to do in his life. Three enlarged photos were placed atop his casket - one of them a favourite cricketing shot of the former junior national cricketer.

“I am disappointed that the combative person Richard was, he never got a chance that day.

Some cowardly act took him away from this world and from us suddenly. He did not depart this life on his terms. He did not get the chance to achieve his many goals. He didn’t want to leave us because he loved us but he left here as a man.” It was only last year, mourners learnt, that after several counselling sessions with Pastor Winston Cuffie and Rev David Tam, that Richard on his return from England - where he spent five years - “accepted Jesus Christ”. He was subsequently baptized and committed himself to a life in Christ going on to become a part of the Miracle Ministries family.

Rev Tam, chairman of the proceedings said,“What has happened to Richard as tragic as it may seem, we have to understand that he is in a better place.” Tam identified with the hurt the family was experiencing saying that in 1985 his sister Juliet Tam disappeared without a trace. At the time, she was only 24 at the time and with a bright future.

He added: “My parents were good people, we were a good family why would something like this happen to ,” he went on to say as he explained that for eight years he was angry with God for what had happened to his sister. It was only when he turned to God did the hate and anger go away. He urged hurting family members to allow the Richard’s memory to give them peace.

Richard leaves to mourn daughter Alejandra, six; parents Selwyn and Monica and siblings Sherry Ann and Bryan. He was cremated at Guides Funeral Home, San Fernando.