Relatives of boy who lost parents in hit-and-run: Keep him here

Although plans are being made for orphaned five-year-old Darrion Roopnarine to reside with relatives in Rio Claro, relatives in Penal, where he has been living since birth, are hoping he does not relocate. “I prefer if he stayed here in Aquart Village. He knows everyone here already and I live two houses away. I am willing to take him in. He is family. He born here,” said cousin, Seudath Roopnarine.

Darrion’s parents Khemchan “Darren” Roopnarine, 38, and Patricia “Cindy” Ali were killed in a hit-and-run accident near the family’s home at Penal Rock Road, Penal, on November 5. Darrion and his nine-year-old brother Brandon (Khemchan’s son from a previous relationship), were in company with the couple. The siblings escaped death as they were a short distance ahead when the car slammed into the couple, killing both instantly.

Darrion and Brandon lived with Khemchan and Ali, a construction worker and domestic worker respectively. Relatives said Ali cared for Brandon as her own. On Sunday, Brandon’s biological mother Asha Samlal of Fyzabad took him to live with her and her two other children, ages three and seven years. Darrion, however, is expected to live with his mother’s aunt Shanti in Rio Claro.

“Darrion and Brandon attend the Penal Presbyterian School. So at least if Darrion remains, he could continue and it will be easier for him to cope with people he knows. They have not gone back to school as yet. Darrion is quieter since the accident,” said Seudath. After the accident, Penal police detained a woman who they subsequently released.