Relatives in Canada mourn Gran Couva man killed in fire

Relatives of the man who recently died in a fire at his home at Gran Couva planned to surprise him for his 70th birthday on October 12.

But shortly after 2 am on September 19, Couva fire officers and Gran Couva police found the burnt remains of Soogrim Sookharry.

He lived alone at Gran Couva Main Road in La Vega Village.

His heartbroken niece, Ann DeMelo, who lives in Canada, said she used to live with him and his late mother, her grandmother, for a few years.

"During vacations, my cousins would visit, and he did everything to make us comfortable. He was generous, kind and caring."

She said her cousins from Penal had been going to visit Sookharry and "cook up a storm" to celebrate his birthday. Meanwhile, she and another cousin in Canada planned to video call and be part of the event virtually.

"We intended to be there in that way. That was the plan, but it is not going to happen. His birthday is on (Canadian) Thanksgiving Day this year," DeMelo said by phone.

It had been a while since she last spoke to him, she said.

With the closure of the borders owing to the covid19 pandemic, she cannot enter TT to pay final respects to "Jaggers," as he was fondly called by many.

"That breaks my heart. He was the fun uncle.

"He had more than ten nieces and nephews. He treated us like his own."

Sookharry used to work as a truck driver.

When Newsday visited the area, residents shared conflicting views about Sookharry, also known as "Sockie," hours after the fire.

His niece believed the people who made negative remarks were being malicious. She said he had been burgled several times.

"He only had issues with the people whom he suspected did the crime. My uncle got along with everyone."

A funeral date is yet to be set.

The cause of the fire has not been determined.