Call for national award for 'beloved' prison officer killed in crash

Accident victim and prison officer Mahendra “Brandon” Ramdial, 27, deserves a posthumous national award for his final act of heroism.

Deputy Commissioner of Prisons Carlos Corraspe made the suggestion on August 2 at Ramdial’s funeral at the family’s home in Balmain Couva.

“When we look at the issue of the national awards from a prison-service standpoint, we will be prepared to nominate Ramdial for this act of heroism, in a time when such acts are not forthcoming in this country,” Corraspe said.

“We are sorry he passed in this way, but we know that Almighty God knows best. We know some, but God knows all.

"We continue to stand ready to assist the family in any way possible.”

Scores of people attended the funeral.

Ramdial was struck and killed on the southbound lane of the Solomon Hochoy Highway in Freeport on July 28. He was returning home from work at the Caura Hospital and stopped on the shoulder to help two drivers who had been in an accident. He got out of his car and was walking toward them.

At the same time, another driver swerved to avoid the debris and hit him. Ramdial died on the spot.

“He had completed his night shift. I know he would have been tired. But having seen an accident, he stopped to render assistance.

"All prison officers are heroes because of the job we do, but Ramdial was an exceptional hero,” Corraspe told mourners.

He added that many people faced with like circumstances would not have been able to act as Ramdial did.

“His memories will stay with us as we go forward. He will continue to inspire us as we face the challenges we face as prison officers,” he said.

Assistant Supt Ted Victor said he had known Ramdial for almost five years and they had a good working relationship.

Victor said he admired Ramdial and that the tragedy left service members in shock and disbelief.

“No amount of tears can bring our brother back to life. But God is a final judge for all unjust deeds. As we seek to make sense of it, to understand the reason why it happened, it is imperative that we express our sadness and acknowledge our loss.”

He recalled that Ramdial enlisted on November 1, 2019, at 22, an age when most are undecided about future plans and simply go with the flow.

“But he was confident of wanting to serve others, and laid a foundation for himself and his family. During his four years, he served with respect, pride and a genuine willingness to help others. That willingness ended up being his demise,” Victor said.

“It became a trademark for which he lived and ultimately died.

"Although his tenure with us was only at Maximum Security Prison, he displayed all the attributes of a well-rounded and respectful young officer with a promising future, which made him loved and respected by all.”

To the family, Victor said, “Thank you for lending him to us. It is not our place to question why he was taken away from us. I pray that you find peace and comfort and continue to live fulfilling lives.”

Several relatives shared memories, including a cousin named Ashton, who described Ramdial as an adventurous man who was always willing to go the extra mile.

Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh described Ramdial as a model person who understood his purpose in life – to be of service to humanity. The MP called on people always to be their brother’s keeper.

Ramdial was buried at the Preysal cemetery.