Sombre Christmas mood at kidnapped Ria’s home

In many Christmases of the past, children who were off from school would long to decorate their Christmas trees and help their parents hang curtains and wrap toys in gift paper.

But for the past days, there is a sombre mood at Ragoo Extension Trace leading to the home of missing hairdresser and mother of two Ria Sookdeo.

The 32-year-old woman was kidnapped at the corner of Papourie Road and the Picton Estate Drive, at about 8.30 am on September 22, shortly after dropping off her two children at the Picton Presbyterian Primary School.

Yesterday, Sookdeo’s husband, Mark, was at home with his mother and his daughter, Ellena.

The girl who is nine years old, seemed oblivious that Christmas without her mother would not be special like childen of her age who look forward to their mommy giving them dolls as Christmas gifts.

When Mark emerged from the living room, he said, “We are trying to cope with this situation, but it is obviously very difficult for us.” He said that he is not feeling the Christmas spirit.

Three months have passed and according to the husband, he has not gotten any positive feedback as to his wife whereabouts.

Mark sat with his legs crossed and gave short answers to questions by Newsday about how he intends to treat his two children for Christmas.

He declined to be photographed.

In one corner of the living room, there was a box with toys and Ellena walked about quietly. Her brother who is five years old, was not at home. Mark said, “I have no clue what happened to my wife. I pray each day that she would return home. I have little to say to the media.” The husband said that members of various churches and temples visit his family and have consoled them.