Jai’s son kidnapped, poultry magnate in tears

SYAM RAMKISSOON, the 26-year-old son of chicken magnate Jai Ramkissoon, was robbed of a $50,000 payroll and kidnapped by three men around 2 pm yesterday. The car with the kidnap victim was last seen heading towards the Sangre Grande area.

Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, as well as officers from northern and eastern divisions, were dispatched to the scene. A National Security helicopter was also called in to assist in the search for the car transporting the kidnap victim. Reports revealed that around 2 pm, Syam, in company with his mother Sumintra, 63, were at Sasa Farms, Manuel Congo Road, San Rafael, where they had gone to pay workers when three men in a white car blocked the car Siam was driving. Reports revealed that the young businessman reversed the car, which ended up in a river. The three kidnappers snatched Siam from the driver’s seat and bundled him into a white Vauxhall. They then drove away leaving a startled Sumintra in the car. Sumintra, who suffered cuts and bruises, was assisted by farm workers. She was taken to the Arima Hospital where she was treated and discharged. Sumintra was interviewed by the police and described the kidnappers as being one of  East Indian descent and two men of African descent.

When Newsday visited Ramkissoon at his Mausica home yesterday, he appeared distraught and pleaded with kidnappers to spare his son from any violence. Ramkissoon claimed that when his son left home yesterday, he was in possession of a $50,000 payroll to pay workers at the Sasa Farms. Up until 6 pm yesterday, Ramkissoon had not received any word from kidnappers. He told Newsday that he is in no position to pay any ransom right now but he wants his son returned to him. He said that he is now reliving the experience 17 years ago when his daughter Sharon was kidnapped and eventually released unhurt. Syam was married just six months ago. Friends and relatives of the kidnapped man gathered at the Ramkissoon home to lend support to the worried family. Inside the house, officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad were seen speaking on the telephone and taking notes. Investigations are continuing.