Sascha Wilson
Screams of “daddy, daddy” resonated in a church in Ste Madeleine Friday as loved ones said farewell to father of nine Anterro “Manoo” McQueen.
McQueen’s wife Indra Jagroop, who got a temporary discharge from the hospital to attend his funeral, described McQueen, 52, as the love of her life. They have two children.
Jagroop’s hand was chopped off, and she was also wounded on her shoulder when she ran to her husband’s assistance after he was chopped on his neck and head by a relative at their New Grant home on Sunday.
Jagroop’s sister Monica, 35, was also chopped to death while her 72-year-old father was injured.
Fortunately, doctors at the San Fernando General Hospital were able to reattach Jagroop’s hand.
She was allowed to leave the hospital to attend her husband’s service but was expected to return yesterday.
With a bandage on her left shoulder and her left arm also bandaged and a sling, Jagroop tried to put on a brave face.
Speaking briefly at the service at Bethany Independent Baptist Church, Jagroop had no words to describe how she felt.
Uncertain how she was going to cope with this tragedy, she pleaded, “Lord give us the strength to deal with this.”
One of McQueen’s daughters, who delivered the eulogy, recalled fond memories with her father.
Describing him as hardworking and stubborn, she said he was also a warrior.
Recalling that he was kind-hearted and loved to harass his nieces and grandchildren, she said her father was a simple person with a humble soul. Consoled by a relative as she broke down in tears, she said their lives have been changed forever.
“My father was stolen from us...he was taken away from us,” she said.
However, she promised, “We will make sure you get the justice you deserve.”
Pastor Carlton Hamilton encouraged the family to turn to Jesus.
“God is talking to somebody in the family,” said the pastor.
The interment took place at St Clement’s Cemetery.
Meanwhile, the Jagroop’s family is still making preparations for Monica’s funeral.
While several reasons were put forward as to why the suspect ran amok, the police are still investigating.
The police had initially said the suspect’s actions were driven by a land dispute while a relative believed he was under the influence of alcohol.
However, another relative believed it was a result of an animal sacrifice that was done two months ago. Meanwhile, police are still searching for the 33-year-old suspect