Tobago Correspondent
The father of murdered two-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza is leaving justice in the hands of God, even as he struggles to cope with the loss of his son.
In a message to Guardian Media yesterday, a grief-stricken Antonio Plaza said he could not believe someone entrusted with his child’s care could commit such a heinous act.
“Brother, it’s really disappointing and is horrible to know a guardian of a child is capable of this,” Plaza said.
Asked if he felt he would get justice, he said, “I can’t say, brother, but I trust GOD will.”
Plaza, who lives in Trinidad, visited Goodwood with his mother, Meena Balliram, on May 15 and was welcomed by villagers despite the sorrowful circumstance.
The two-year-old was reported missing from his Cambridge Trace, Goodwood home around 7.30 pm on May 11.
Police said on Wednesday that a close male relative had confessed to strangling of the child and disposing the body in the sea.
Senior Superintendent Rodhill Kirk yesterday told Guardian Media that only Angelo’s mother Kalifah Tobias and another relative remained in police custody.
Kirk said the search for Angelo’s body remains ongoing.
The Hunters’ Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), led by Vallence Rambharat, ended their search on Wednesday evening and returned to Trinidad.
The other HSRT, led by Commander Shamsudeen Ayube, remains on the island.
Meanwhile, there was a heavy police presence on Cambridge Trace yesterday morning, as investigators visited Angelo’s home once more to gather evidence.
From as early as 8 am, villagers began gathering to continue their daily prayers for justice for Angelo.
Melissa Walker, originally from Goodwood, shouted Angelo’s name as she rang a bell repeatedly, urging him to “come home.” She told Guardian Media villagers do not want a watery grave for the toddler.
She said, “I find this is too much for us. We need to get him. Show his body. That is all the mothers want.
“We not going to stop until that body come to us. We don’t want no sea burial for that child. We need to see him and get a closure.”
She said mothers around the country have come together to take a stand in defence of vulnerable children.
“I am a mother and all children belong to me. I’m a nationwide mother and this thing is heartbreaking,” Walker said.
“Any mother that say they ain’t touched with this is not a mother. This is a baby that cannot help himself. What you did to that baby was too cruel. We not giving no green light for this. This have to stop.”
Mt St George/Goodwood area representative Megan Morrison visited villagers yesterday morning and took some groceries to assist them. She said with each passing day, the chances of retrieving Angelo’s body diminishes.
“For every day that passes, it is hope lost,” she said.
“It is becoming sadder. A body has not been found so hopes are diminishing. It is very hard to see a child of that age surviving the elements for 11 days.”
She praised the villagers for their firm stance against violence and banding together amidst the tragedy.
Asked what the Division of Community Development and Social Protection could do to ensure no repeat of similar incidents, Morrison said Assistant Secretary Ackel Franklyn has visited the community to lend support. She urged people to be more humane and vigilant within their communities.
Pembroke villager Avernelle Hercules said she has been neglecting her housework as she seeks answers about Angelo’s disappearance.
Asked what advice she would give to other mothers, she said, “Choose your men wisely.”
