Relatives of fishermen in fatal...

Tamasar’s mother, Sanita Rawan, 47, often sits on her own and gazes away, lost in thoughts of her son until someone speaks to her and she returns to a reality where her son is no longer physically with her.

Tamasar had nine siblings and he was the third child. His mother, in an interview with this newspaper, said that while her husband took care of the family, her son, whenever he was employed, also assisted.

She said that the lad was very helpful, while his sisters also recalled that he was very caring towards them.

One of his sisters yesterday recounted that her brother was a very quiet person. “He very quiet, he don’t get into problem with nobody,” she said.

Back on feet

For Seeram’s relatives, their troubles seem to be never-ending as it was only in December that he, his then pregnant mother Shamwattie Inderjeet, 40, and sister, 21, were beaten during a robbery at their relative’s home in Number 19 Village, Corentyne.

Inderjeet, a single mother now, was then five months pregnant when she returned from an overseas vacation. She and her children were residing at a cousin’s house when armed bandits pounced on them.

The bandits stole US$1,000, $15,000, four gold chains worth over $250,000 and three gold rings worth over $50,000 from the trio. The bandits also carted off $650,000 in cash and $50,000 in phone cards from Inderjeet’s cousin, who operated a grocery shop.

According to Inderjeet, it was after the robbery that she decided to move to Port Mourant and rent a house. “Me did scare so we come way here. I from this side so I come back here,” she told Stabroek News.

She said that her son was now working to get back on his feet when he recently started to encounter difficulties in his work. But despite having to return to land after a failed trip, then a damaged boat and a sick crewman, Seeram did not let anything break his spirits as he held out that he would return to sea for a third time to be able to clear his debts. “Me tell he ‘boy abie go try pay out the boat man the money’ but he say no, he go go and come back and pay out the man and done,” the grieving woman recounted.

Seeram was described as a hardworking and caring individual. His sister said he always ensured that they had everything they needed.

She also recalled that she saw the clothing she packed for her brother on the boat when it was found. “All the clothes that deh on the boat, me pack in he bag and give he to go,” she said as she broke into tears.

For the other two families, their worst fears were confirmed when they identified the bodies that were found as that of their loved ones.

Petrie’s godmother, Robinta Thomas, yesterday said that the young lad was “a special and kind person, a very nice child, a very nice, attentive, loving and helpful child.”

She said that Petrie first gained employment at a water supply business on the Corentyne but was laid off after business slowed down. As such, he was eager to head out to sea to work since it would have meant his “big break” into the world of work.

Presently, Petrie’s mother is still battling to come to terms with his loss and was unable to speak with this publication.

Petrie leaves behind five siblings. He was the eldest.

Meanwhile, for Kissoon, it seems that his family has gotten closure since the incident as at every step of the preparations for his final arrangements, his wife was accompanied by a group of relatives.

Tashminie Seecharran, also known as ‘Tasha’, 31, said that she resided in Suriname with her husband but together they decided to return to Guyana to be closer to relatives once she became pregnant.

She said that her husband was a loving man with a big heart who cared for each of his relatives. “He always does call and see how we doing and if everything ok,” she said.

Kissoon’s parents live in the same yard as him and he would often watch over them and assist in any way he could. Both of his elderly parents are sickly with his father presently bedridden.

Seecharran said that her husband’s death has taken a toll on the family especially his parents who are yet to come to terms with it. It is clear that despite the heartache Seecharran is facing, she is trying to put up a brave face for her in-laws and her eight months old daughter.

Seecharran, a stay-athome mom, is now left with the responsibilities of caring for her child. She is also the mother of two other children who reside with their father.

The families said that they would be grateful for any assistance from the authorities or the general public.