As police continue to pursue several leads in their investigations into the murder of TT RideShare (TTRS) driver Shakem Charles, Fr Shijomon Zacharias told those mourning his death that people are losing the fear of God.
Officiating at Charles’ funeral at Our Lady of Mt Carmel RC Church, New Grant, yesterday, Fr Zacharias said the result of that lost fear was a society that took life for granted, allowing evil to thrive. He told mourners they had a social responsibility not to nurture evil but to promote life in society.
“We are living in a frightening and hostile society today. We can die not from violence, diseases, or accidents, but just by being exposed to this hostile and frightening society, we can meet death. Sometimes, you and I contribute, either knowingly or unknowingly, to this hostility through our antagonism, egoism, or maybe even through dangerous games we sometimes promote, unknowingly or unconsciously. Have that fear of the Lord,” Fr Zacharias preached.
Family members and Charles’ colleagues from Trinidad Systems Ltd ushered his casket into the church to upbeat gospel songs for his send-off. Despite family and friends recalling fond memories, tears were hard to fight back as Charles’ violent death remained in the back of their minds.
Charles, 32, of Indian Walk, Princes Town, was found dead in a forest off Ramlal Trace Extension, Penal, on July 13. The discovery came four days after he failed to return home from work. Police said Charles left home around 6 am on July 8 in his white Toyota Yaris Cross SUV for work in Port-of-Spain.
His parents said he called around 1.30 pm and told his mother, Margaret, he was taking up his second job as a TTRS driver. He was expected home at 7 pm, but when he did not return, his parents began calling his phone, which went unanswered. Investigators said someone made a $500 withdrawal from Charles’ bank account at an ATM at a Quikshoppe in Port-of-Spain around 8.30 pm that night. Police recovered his car in Valencia the following day.
Zacharias told mourners that while emotions ran high following Charles’ sudden death, some may question why God allowed this to happen to such a nice person and even feel betrayed. However, he told them these questions would have no answer except the knowledge that Jesus died at age 33 for the world. Fr Zacharias told them to accept God’s plan, saying the Father never finds pleasure in human suffering.
He said, “The Lord gave Shakem to you for some time to enjoy his company and friendship, and when the Lord decided, he took him back. I know thoughts like vengeance or about who might have done this may be going through our minds. Let me remind you, brothers and sisters, that vengeance belongs to God. That is not ours.
“Even if we want to, as human beings, we might think about something. That belongs to God. Leave it for God to decide.”
Delivering one of four eulogies, Charles’ brother Ronande told mourners he would have never imagined their brotherhood ending in such a way.
Ronande described Charles as a remarkable person whose vibrant spirit touched everyone’s hearts. As Charles’ murder left his children Amarah and Amare fatherless, Ronande vowed to ensure they had a bright future. He said Charles would have done anything to ensure his children had everything they needed and wanted.
“Shakem was not just a brother but a devoted father to his two beautiful children. His love for them was boundless, and he worked tirelessly to provide them with a bright future. They were in the centre of his world, and his memory will live on in them. Amarah and Amare, do not worry; Uncle has got you all. I promise to make sure you all have a bright future because he would have wanted the same for my future kids,” Ronande said.