Residents of the Carenage community are anxiously awaiting answers as the search continues for Kieyanna Seechan, one of the individuals still missing following the boat collision off Chaguaramas on Sunday.
Amid tears, prayer and messages of hope, family members, friends and well-wishers gathered outside St Peter’s RC Primary School in Point Cumana on Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil in her honour.
Principal Trudie Dolland-Neptune spoke of the profound grief being felt throughout the school, where Ms Seechan was both a member of staff and former student.
“We are all in mourning. The students were in tears this morning. The teachers were in tears for most of the day and we are all feeling sad. We are hurt. We are praying for good news that they will be found. We know that the chances diminish as the days go on, but we are hoping for a miracle still at this time.”
She also reflected on Ms Seechan’s contributions as an On-the-Job Trainee clerical assistant, describing her as a charitable and invaluable member of the school community whose absence is deeply felt.
“For those of you who are not aware, Miss Seechan recently started just this term, started her degree to become a teacher and we saw every day in her that she had great promise, great potential in that area. She was a natural teacher. She’s a very loving person, very caring in her duties as a clerical assistant.”
Meanwhile, President of the Parent-Teacher Association, Kenesha Andrews, said she remains hopeful that Kieyanna will be found, adding that she continues to pray for her safe return, alongside the other individuals who remain missing.
“All of us are very close-knit. Carenage is a close-knit village, and I am still very, very hopeful, and I’m keeping the faith, you know, that we all use this situation as testimony that God could do amazing things.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the search, loved ones and residents say they remain steadfast in their prayers, holding on to hope and awaiting answers in the days ahead, as search and rescue operations continue.