Sandy Ground:--- It was a sad atmosphere in Sandy Ground on Sunday morning as two families are mourning the loss of their loved ones which left neighbours shocked and some in despair. At one home a young man stabbed his stepfather to death leaving the community in shock. A block away from that home, another family is mourning the loss of Ginette Souklaye (19) who died in a motor cycle accident hours later. Also known to the community is Joel Antonio Richardson, the boyfriend of Ginette who also lost his life in the accident which took place just before midnight on Mount Valois Hill.Some of the neighbours gathered at the corners of the road discussing what their community is faced with while several persons attended a church that is in close proximity of both homes.
At the home of Souklaye there was a large gathering of people who were trying hard to console her grieving mother. The mother who was not able to speak to SMN News, was being taken care of by several neighbours as she mourned the loss of her daughter.
Some neighbours said they don't know what to say happened Saturday night because Souklaye was at home when the gendarmes were in the area investigating the murder and shortly after she left and the next thing they knew was that she was involved in an accident and was critical but before daybreak she and her boyfriend was dead.
Relatives said Souklaye was picked up from home at 11pm by her boyfriend Joel Richardson. They said the couple were going out for the night when the accident occurred. Joel they said is an employee of Rolling System. The young woman and her 23 year old boyfriend were described as vibrant and full of life.At another home on Sorrel Drive, Bush Road, another family was mourning their loss due to Saturday night's tragedy. Mirangelo Denicio Blijden (32) also lost his life in the collision which took place on Mount Valois Hill. His mother Isidra Blijden-Clement said an extended family member to the deceased went to her home at 1:22 am on Sunday morning and informed her that her son was involved in an accident. Blijden-Clement said when she arrived at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital her son was already dead and he was inside a body bag. The grieving mother who was surrounded by her four remaining children said Mirangelo was her eldest son and the loss of her son was almost unbearable. She further explained that based on information she received her son was riding his cousin's bike when the accident occurred.
A press release from the Gendarmerie states that due to a collision between two motor cycles three people are now dead. The gendarmes said none of the victims were wearing helmets when the accident occurred.
SMN News wishes the families of these incidents much strength as they cope with their loss.
