Cousins who died in MV Barima tragedy laid to rest

Tears flowed and there were moments of quiet laughter at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, on Sunday as relatives and friends gathered to bid a final farewell to three young cousins who lost their lives in the devastating MV Barima tragedy. Twelve-year-old Viviana Sadruddin, seven-year-old Robina Hernandez and eight-year-old Akeela Rodrigues, were laid to rest during an emotional funeral service held on the tarmac of the Parika Salem Primary School. The cousins had been travelling with their grandmother, Helena Moonsammy, when tragedy struck. Their two-year-old cousin, Vince Wong, remains missing, while four other cousins survived the tragedy. Throughout the service, family members painted a touching picture of three young lives filled with love, laughter and promise, each remembered for the unique light they brought into the lives of those around them. Akeela, who would have celebrated her ninth birthday next month, was remembered as a loving daughter who adored her mother. “She was raised with endless love. She always wanted to be her mommy’s princess,” a relative said. Although she was quiet in the classroom, those closest to her said her kindness and gentle nature spoke louder than words. “She never needed to be the loudest voice in her classroom because her beautiful character spoke for itself,” the relative said. At home, however, Akeela’s playful personality shone brightly as she filled the house with laughter and smiles. Seven-year-old Robina, affectionately called ‘Precious’, was remembered as the heart of her family and especially close to her grandmother. “She was her grandmother’s shadow. She slept in the same bed and went everywhere with her grandmother,” a relative reflected. Known for her caring spirit, Rubina always looked out for others and loved sharing with those around her. Family members smiled through their tears as they remembered how her father had an arrangement with a vendor at her school to pay for whatever she wanted, yet she often chose to buy sweets for all of her cousins instead. She also had a passion for art and spent much of her free time drawing and colouring. While, Viviana, the eldest of the three, was remembered as a quiet and contented child whose gentle presence touched everyone who knew her. “Though her life ended too soon… her spirit will never leave us,” her sister said. The funeral service was followed by burial at the Parika cemetery.