Acting PS offers condolences on behalf of Prime Minister

While the discussions were held in private, family members told Newsday the acting Permanent Secretary who represented the Prime Minister told them the PM had sent his condolences to the family and offered assistance from his office in any way possible.

Family members hinted that one of the things they will surely pursue is assistance for the funeral expenses, and the future upkeep of the two children.

Malcolm eight, and Marsha, 11, became orphans when their parents, Sharon Carrington, and Martin Samuel, were shot dead in the early hours of Sunday morning at their home at McShine Lands, Laventille. Marsha who heard the gunshots and ran into the room to see the gunmen fleeing, found her parents lying in a pool of blood. She then called the police, had to be treated for trauma. Her brother who has not come to terms with the killing has refused to let go of a photo of his mother. Both have since been staying at their grandparent’s home, and have refused to go back into the death house.

Efforts to speak to Claris and Codrington Carrington have been futile as they are both traumatised by the situation.

Sharon Codrington, who was formerly self employed, started working at the PM’s office one and half years ago, was described as a quiet, shy, and reserved churchgoing person. She was shot once in her leg rupturing an artery, while Samuel who had arrived home 20 minutes before in "high spirits" was shot ten times.

Relatives of both victims are still trying to come to an agreement on the wishes of the dead couple’s daughter who requested that they both be buried together.

However the mother is from Morvant and her family has their own burial plot, and similarly the father is from Laventille and the family also has their own plot. The funeral is expected to take place later this week following an autopsy today.