As we celebrate the vibrant Festival of Holi, I urge everyone to take a moment to remember Jadon and Tianna De Court, who tragically lost their lives today due to drowning in Melanie, East Coast Demerara. At just 10 and 8 years old, respectively, they were merely trying to fill their water guns to partake in Phagwah festivities when the tragedy occurred.
The questions of culpability can be discussed at a later time; right now, our focus should be on the grief the parents are enduring. I met with the family earlier today, and I was left speechless as I listened to the father recount the ordeal, with the mother seated beside him—extraordinarily strong human beings in an unimaginable situation.
Our Government is committed to providing full support to the family, though we know that no amount of assistance can lessen the pain or mitigate this tragedy.
It has come to my attention that some are attempting to exploit this family’s devastating loss for political gain, which I find abhorrent. I urge those involved to show respect for the family and to act with basic human decency.
Please keep the De Court family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this immeasurable loss.
