‘EDDIE’ praised in death at funeral

Concerned Roman Catholic priest, Fr Hezekiah, called on the authorities to regain the confidence of the people of TT, and to take responsibility by stopping the increasing loss of life in the country, as Koury’s aunt Annette Rahael cried out during his funeral service, "Forgive us darling Eddie. We have failed you. Your country has failed you."

Hezekiah told friends and family during Koury’s funeral service that society could no longer live on murder and mayhem, and the authorities must work toward the eradication of violence in our lives. "Someone has to take responsibility for what is happening.

The Minister of National Security, the Commissioner of Police or the Deputy of Public Prosecutions must know what is happening," said Hezekiah.

Hezekiah also stressed on the need for more educational opportunities for the youths of the nation, in order to keep them away from crime. "Better education is needed to ensure that young people do not fester on the streets. A programme of ethics should be taught in primary and secondary schools and to police officers," said Hezekiah.

Koury was attacked at his Macoya business place last Wednesday and bundled into a taxi. His headless body was found last Friday in some bushes by villagers in Caparo.

From 10 am yesterday, relatives and friends gathered at the family’s home at Cherry Crescent, Westmoorings, where they walked alongside the hearse carrying Koury’s body to the St Finbar’s RC Church. Koury’s aunt, Annette Rahael, read the eulogy, describing Koury as an intellectual, generous person, who was an exceptional father. Koury was described as a gifted man — a songwriter, a musician, a sportsman and a romantic. Rahael said Koury was fondly remembered as "a big dork," whose Donald Duck noises and silly dance moves would be missed.

Rahael said the hearts of the family were still burning with unspeakable agony at the horror of the crime. "Our hearts are burning with uncontrollable rage at the senselessness of this violence.

Those misguided youths who did this to our Eddie may think they have taken his life, but they have not ended it," said Rahael.

Koury’s wife, Anya Koury, was supposed to deliver her sentiments as well, but was overcome with grief and had to let her brother, Anthony Laquis, say her final farewell to her husband.

Laquis said Anya was most concerned about their two children, James and Annie, who will never know how much love their father had for them.

Fr Thomas Lawson, who delivered the homily, said these gruesome murders are no longer an exception, but have become the norm in TT.

Lawson said the future of TT does not look bright and wondered if the sacrificed life of Koury would turn this country around.

Also present at the funeral service were Port-of-Spain Mayor Murchison Brown; Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association president, Paul Quesnel. Koury’s body was taken to the St James crematorium in Long Circular, St James.