Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will attend today’s funeral service for murdered United National Congress (UNC) councillor Romona Victor at Irwin Park Sporting Complex in Siparia.
Victor, 36, and her common-law husband, Rodney Ramsumair, 45, were found dead in their home on Sunday.
An autopsy revealed Victor died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck, while Ramsumair died from poisoning. Ramsumair left a note apologising and saying he could not live without her.
Council members and staff at the Siparia Borough Corporation were left in tears during yesterday’s statutory meeting, remembering Victor as being hard-working and full of life.
Chief executive officer Vedawatie Sookoo said Victor was part of the Borough Corporation’s family.
“We lose someone who was part of the Siparia Borough Corporation family. My deepest condolences to everyone and her family. I knew her just for a short bit, and she was always smiling and bubbly, not knowing all the horrors in her life, and that should be a lesson to us.”
Mon Desir Councillor Deryck Bowrin said it was one of the most difficult days in his 12 years serving in the council chamber.
“But God’s willing, we will get through. We have tomorrow to face to make sure she gets a good send-off.”
Though his interaction with Victor was not long, People’s National Movement councillor for Brighton/Vessigny Jillon Lewis said the circumstances of her death were devastating.
“I stand with a heavy heart,” he said, as she remembered her as a fun and gentle person.
Amirah Mohammed, the corporate secretary, recalled when Victor, who initially did secretarial duties, requested to serve in the field, thus beginning her political career. Victor served two terms as the councillor for Siparia East/San Francique South while her partner worked as a labourer in the corporation.
“She grew and grew gracefully from being part of us to where she had reached today,” she said.
Victor will be laid to rest at the Siparia Public Cemetery following the service.
