Kidnappers demand ransom for Samdaye

Rampersad, 45, was snatched from her Irving Street home in San Juan last Saturday night. Her brother, Mervyn, had been begging the kidnappers to contact his family, saying his sister is in urgent need of medication for diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. Sources at the Anti-Kidnapping Squad revealed that the kidnappers contacted the Rampersad family on Thursday night with a demand for a large sum of money for her release. Relatives have begun negotiations for Rampersad’s safe release.

Mervyn Rampersad, the family’s spokesman, said he was unable to be interviewed because his "mind was far." Rampersad’s relatives have been praying for her release, and all night vigils have been held at her home.

On Tuesday, officers of the North Eastern Division arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping. The suspects, who are from Santa Cruz, were detained up to yesterday. Police investigators told Newsday they are confident of making a breakthrough in the kidnapping.