"Do not let the death of four-year-old Amarah Lallitte be in vain, but let it transform TT into a better country."
Lopinot/Bon Air MP Marvin Gonzales made the plea at the toddler's funeral held on April 20, at the Faith Assembly International Church in Five Rivers, Arouca.
Amarah was killed on April 8, at her home at Fifth Street, Arouca. Her body was discovered in one room and police found her head in a barrel at the back of the house.
The news of her brutal death outraged the country.
Gonzales, who was asked to speak at the service by the family, asked, "Where does the nation go from here after Amarah was laid to rest?"
[caption id="attachment_1078397" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Lopinot/Bon Air West MP Marvin Gonzales, second from right, at the funeral service of Amarah Lallitte, in Five Rivers, Arouca on Saturday. - ROGER JACOB[/caption]
He said he doubted there could be a return to candlelight vigils and normal lives.
“What has happened to this beautiful angel speaks to a darkness in the conscience of our nation, and what we do to confront that darkness is a personal decision everyone has to make. It is not only the responsibility of the police, the councillor, and the church, it is the responsibility of every single one of us.
“The way we speak to each other, the way we speak to our children, the way we use situations to cry down and rip each other into pieces, the way we are judgemental to each other, the fact we cannot find forgiveness when all that should really be done is to find forgiveness and offer forgiveness and love.”
Gonzales, as well as presiding minister Rev Roger Holder, said people had lost compassion in how they spoke to each other. Gonzales criticised people for the statements they made after the murder.
“I think we speak too much as a society, we speak too much because the things that come out of our mouths paint a very dark picture of us as a society. Even in the darkness of Amarah’s death, some amongst us found it deep within their souls to express words we should all be ashamed of,” he said.
Amarah’s mother, Tricia Villaroel, was supported by her family, including Amarah’s sister Elleanna, and members of the police Victim and Witness Support Unit as she gave the eulogy. She said Amarah was a beautiful soul taken far too soon.
[caption id="attachment_1078394" align="alignnone" width="683"] A poster of Amarah Lallitte at her funeral service. - ROGER JACOB[/caption]
“At just four years old she radiated joy and innocence, her laughter had a melody that brightened any room she entered. Amarah was a beacon of light, an overflowing source of love and kindness. Her gentle spirit knew no bounds, always willing to lend a hand, she embodied a true essence of compassion and generosity. Whether it was offering a hug to someone in need or sharing her toys with a friend, Amarah’s heart overflowed with love. Her laughter echoed like chimes in the wind, a reminder of the pure joy she brought into our lives. In her short time with us, she taught us the importance of cherishi
