Dengue victim, 8, laid to rest

STUDENTS from the North Trace Government Primary School in New Grant gathered around the tiny pink coffin that carried the body of their schoolmate, eight-year-old Nelisha Sophia Narine, and took turns placing roses on and next to her body.

On August 18, under the guidance of the standard one teacher, Zaniffa John-Bissoon, the students recited Chain of Gold by Frank M Porter, a poem they had rehearsed many times with Nelisha at school.

The funeral took place at the family's home, a stone's throw from the school, where scores of people, including schoolmates in uniform, paid tribute.

Nelisha, also called Mama, died on August 14 at the San Fernando General Hospital after suffering from dengue fever for days.

An autopsy on August 15 at the hospital said she died of presumptive dengue shock syndrome with gastrointestinal haemorrhage de novo diabetes mellitus.

She is believed to be this country's latest and youngest dengue victim. Nelisha would have been in standard two next month at the start of the school year.

At the funeral, Nelisha's mother Nikkita Narine sat and gazed at the body while relatives comforted her.

Her lone surviving child, Amit, stood next to his father, Amar Narine, as they performed the final Hindu rites.

Apart from an assortment of flowers, some of Nelisha's favourite toys, including a doll, were also placed in the coffin.

Relatives did not speak at the funeral.

Nelisha's teacher (John-Bissoon) said she was full of life and light, her presence brought joy to all who knew her and the impact she made would never be forgotten.

As she wiped away tears, the teacher added that Nelisha embraced life with enthusiasm and love.

"Her favourite colours were pink and purple, which she said reflected the depth and vibrancy of her spirit," the teacher added.

She wore a pink headscarf and the tents pitched in the family's yard had pink and purple balloon decorations.

"Her sweet tooth matched her sweet personality. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was the freedom of running around the schoolyard, drinking fresh coconut with her grandfather or dressing up on a Friday evening with her brother to wait for their father to take them out for food," John-Bissoon told mourners.

She added that Nelisha loved being with her friends and family, and while physically she is no longer present, her soul, love and energy remain with people.

"To her classmates, my darling children, and my fellow colleagues, it is not easy to say goodbye."

Senior teacher Sue Harricharan, like John-Bissoon, offered condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the school. She taught Nelisha in the first year in the infants department, but knew her before that.

She described Nelisha as a loving and caring child.

Harricharan said, "If Nelisha was alive she would be asking, 'Ma, what you doing? Ma, what you crying for?'

"It is a difficult day for all of us gathered. Only God knows why he had to pluck this beautiful flower in its bud stage. She participated in every activity at our school, whether cultural or fundraisers."

Pundit Rajendra "Fuji" Madhoo officiated and told mourners that God is infinite and everywhere.

Scores of villagers also attended the funeral and Madhoo encouraged them to offer prayers that would help her “in her journey.”

“This is not a nice situation. All of us need to be mentally strong. Today, we are here to pray together, no matter what faith you belong to. God is infinite. He is everywhere.”

The body was taken to the New Grant Cemetery for burial next to the graves of Nelisha's grandparents and other relatives.

Health Ministry dengue figures, advice
The Health Ministry's latest epidemiological dengue update on August 16 said there were eight laboratory-confirmed deaths, the same figure since August 13, and 825 cases.

The ministry continues to remind the public that the bite of an infected
Aedes aegypti mosquito can spread dengue fever.

Symptoms appear within five to six days of being bitten and last for one-two weeks.

Symptoms can include fever, headaches (sometimes severe), eye pain, muscle and joint pains, skin rash, nausea or vomiting and diarrhoea.

The ministry emphasises the public's crucial role in stopping the spread of the virus, such as getting rid of mosquito breeding sites and potential breeding grounds.

In the fight against dengue, the Rural Development and Local Government Ministry, in partnership with the CEPEP Company Ltd, continues its Cut and Clear initiative, cutting and clearing potential mosquito breeding sites.

This week, August 19 to 23, the team heads to the Princes Town and the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation.

People can report overgrown areas via WhatsApp at 766-4199.