Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Under the soft glow of candlelight, scores of mourners moved in solemn silence through a village now bound by grief, each flickering flame honouring the life of seven-year-old Angelica Saydee Jogie—a child described as a “little princess” whose light was extinguished far too soon.
Angelica died in a jet ski accident in Tobago, a sudden and violent tragedy that has left an aching void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, while shaking the nation into mourning.
Along Cottage Road, voices rose in bhajans and hymns as members of the community—Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Orisha devotees—came together in a rare and powerful display of unity.
Her father, Arnold Jogie, who remains in Tobago, said he will not return home without his daughter as preparations continue for an autopsy.
Jogie said the post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted soon, even as he continues to recover from injuries sustained in the same incident that claimed his child’s life.
“I am not physically fit as yet… my brother Darren is doing better,” he said, noting that the family had initially hoped to return home on Monday.
“I am not coming home without my daughter,” he added.
Her grandparents broke down in tears as the interfaith service began at the family’s home.
Leading calls for change was Dr Raghunath Mahabir, pastor of the Believers Assembly Church and lecturer at the University of the Southern Caribbean, who said the vigil must become a catalyst for national reform.
“We are hoping this will be a catalyst for change,” Mahabir said. “We want people to recognise the vulnerability of our children, the need for improvements in marine recreation, and better parenting. This is about highlighting what children are going through and the need for safety measures.”
He said while the community cannot take away the family’s pain, they remain committed to walking alongside them through it.
“We cannot bear the pain for them, but we can walk with them through this pain,” he said.
Mahabir noted that since Angelica’s death, hundreds have gathered nightly in solidarity with the grieving family.
“This community has come together. They have gathered every night since we heard this news. And we are here to support the family and stick together as a community.”
He said the tragedy, while devastating, has also strengthened communal bonds and deepened compassion.
Religious and community leader Rajesh Harrykissoon also extended condolences, urging authorities to treat child safety as a national priority requiring urgent coordination between families, schools, communities and institutions.
Angelica, a student of San Fernando TML Primary School, was remembered as a bright, affectionate child whose laughter filled every space she entered.
“She was kind, affectionate and deeply cherished—not only by her family but by friends, neighbours and teachers,” mourners said.
Since her death, there has been an outpouring of grief and reflection, alongside growing calls for stricter regulation of jet skis and stronger safety protocols in marine recreational spaces, where risks can escalate within seconds.
