A barbaric act!
That’s how the uncle of four-year-old Jenice Ruth Figaro described the child’s death yesterday, declaring that no stone will be left unturned until they get justice.
An emotional Fintan James was speaking during the child’s funeral service at her grandfather’s home, not far from her home at Corosal Road, Whiteland.
The child was beaten to death at her home last Thursday. Police were initially told by a female relative who lived with Jenice, her father Robert Figaro and the woman’s two children, that the child complained of tummy pains after she ate a meal of fries with garlic sauce and ketchup.
Less than an hour later the child was pronounced dead at the San Fernando General Hospital but an autopsy found her death was due to blunt force trauma.
Recalling yesterday how Jenice would play fondly with his head, James said: “Jenice’s life was sniffed away in a barbaric manner. She was loved by everyone in the community. My heart goes out to that innocent child.”
Saying that just last month International Children’s Day was celebrated, he asked: “Why is it that a child have to go through such a traumatic death?”
Finding some comfort knowing she was in a better place, he vowed: “No stone will be left unturned, nothing will be swept under the carpet, justice will prevail. We will live to see justice prevail.”
Describing Jenice as vigorous, energetic, brave and loving, her pre-school teacher, Indira Gunness-Nagessar, recalled that she loved to draw and write.
Her aunt Kimberly Lee, who delivered the eulogy, recalled the close relationship Jenice and her father shared.
“Wherever you see Robert, you see Jenice,” said Lee.
Jenice’s father was so overcome with grief that he remained in the house for most of the service. He came out to view his daughter’s body at the end of the service and broke down in tears.
The emotionally charged service almost descended into chaos when a female relative became angry with the child’s mother, Shana Charles, during the viewing of the body, demanding to know “where you was.”
Charles, who sat on a chair next to the casket, during the entire service cried hysterically.
Reverend Deena Ramnarine officiated at the service.
The female relative, who has since moved out of Figaro’s home, has already given the police a statement.
The child’s body was interred at the Poonah (Whiteland) Cemetery.