Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
The repulsive nature of some murders has been attributed to the work of sinister forces, says Rev Roger Holder, who called on society to reject evil and embrace God.
The call was made during the funeral of four-year-old Amarah Lallitte at the Faith Assembly International Church, Arouca, yesterday morning.
Amarah was beheaded at her Arouca home on April 8, prompting widespread outcry and concern in T&T. Her stepfather, Isan Constant, was charged with her murder.
During a media briefing earlier this week, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, when asked to comment on Amarah’s murder, said while he was not in T&T at the time of her murder, news of the killing “shook him.”
During his homily for Amarah’s funeral, Holder stressed the importance of God and spirituality in saving T&T from destruction.
He lamented that modern materialism distracts people from having a closer relationship with God, leaving them vulnerable to evil thoughts and actions.
“It doesn’t matter what transpired for a person to conceive in his heart to take his hands and to take a life. Let me tell you something: it’s a demon—an evil spirit that’s controlling that individual. No man in his right mind can do something like that.”
Holder added that evil forces can only be countered through a better understanding of God and called on mourners to take steps to seek protection by leading more spiritual lifestyles.
Holder, at the beginning of his ministry, offered condolences to Amarah’s father, Shannon Lallitte, and her mother, Tricia Villaroel.
He said while he could only imagine the grief they experienced, he assured them that God had not abandoned them and was confident they could be healed in time.
During her eulogy, Villaroel, flanked by relatives, described Amarah as a beacon of light and love.
Villaroel, who fled the home hours before Amarah’s murder to report abuse, said her daughter was a loving child.
“Whether it was offering a hug to someone in need or sharing her toys with a friend, Amarah’s heart overflowed with love.”
Villaroel, in her eulogy, also thanked homicide detectives for their work in investigating her child’s murder and the public for their support.
In a separate tribute, Amarah’s paternal grandmother, Annette Lallitte, said she has not recovered from the grief of the incident.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have to bury my granddaughter. I’m extremely saddened by the brutal death of my granddaughter, which she endured. I feel a sense of emptiness at this time.”
Mourners included Amarah’s friends, relatives, neighbours, and Arouca stakeholders who gathered to pay their final respects.
Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales also attended the service and offered condolences to Lallitte’s family during a short tribute. Describing Lallitte’s murder as a “darkness in T&T’s conscience”, Gonzales said society had a responsibility to root out such evils.
“It’s a personal decision that every one of us here has to make.
“It’s not just the responsibility of the police, the councillor, or the church; it’s the responsibility of every single one of us.
“The way we speak to each other, the way we speak to our children, and the way we use situations to cry down and rip each other to pieces.”
Despite Gonzales’ attendance, however, Amarah’s father said he was disappointed in the absence of Dr Rowley.
Speaking with reporters after the service, Lallitte said he sent a WhatsApp message to Rowley informing him of the time and venue of the funeral.
He stressed that such crimes required urgent attention from those in authority.
“Child abuse is a serious situation in this country, and it should be addressed. The Prime Minister is supposed to be here to address the nation.”
A small white casket was decorated with pictures of herself, while the programme for her funeral bore characters from the Peppa Pig cartoon.
She was buried at the Crown Street Cemetery.