Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Four days after a labourer appeared in court for Andrea Lallan’s murder, the 13-year-old schoolgirl was given her final farewell yesterday.
The atmosphere was heavy with grief as her father, Eddy, cried beside her casket at their Old Mayaro Road, Libertville, Rio Claro home. A small group of mourners, including family, neighbours and friends, united in prayer and song as they bid tearful goodbyes.
Amidst the heartache, Andrea’s cousin, Meaver Eastman, spoke about the harsh life that Andrea had led.
She reminisced, “I would come here to granny’s for vacation. Granny would swing her in a hammock. Anywhere you saw Eddy, Andrea was there. She was always outspoken and liked to go out and visit the beach. She was never one to be disrespectful.”
Eastman continued, “I would give her the opportunity to speak, to express herself. She did not have an easy life, but my uncle Eddy tried his best. He worked tirelessly to ensure Andrea had what she wanted. For her life to be snatched away so abruptly by someone is heartless. It’s shocking.”
She also used the solemn occasion to dispute stories circulating on social media.
“What the media published was wrong. There’s no justification for what happened between a 49-year-old man and a little girl. Her life was taken, robbed from her. None of us truly understand the pain she was hiding inside. When Eddy discovered what was happening, he acted based on what he believed was the right thing to do,” she said.
Eastman went on to reveal that Andrea did not grow up with a mother’s presence, saying, “She missed that feminine touch. I tried to provide that for her. My uncle tried his best with her. Yet, everyone let her down. I can’t sleep knowing this innocent child is gone.”
She also called on police to address the challenges faced by children, pleading, “We need to protect our children. She was a lovely person, a truly beautiful girl. We hope she finds peace.”
Meanwhile, Andrea’s aunt Gloria Harris, in a heartfelt plea, urged mourners to continue placing their faith in God.
“No matter what your situation, trust in God. Call upon Him, and He will hear us. This is a profound sadness we are feeling over what has happened,” she said.
Andrea, who attended St Therese RC School, and her uncle were killed hours after Andrea pointed out a couple in an ID parade at the Rio Claro Police Station. She accused the couple of sexual assault. In the dead of the night on September 30, a gunman shot Lallan in the head as she slept at home. Her father and uncle were also shot but only Eddy survived.
Andrea was laid to rest at the La Peruse Public Cemetery in Rio Claro.
