Dear Editor,
The tragic and brutal death of Seema Mangar has sent shockwaves through a society that has been ruthlessly trampled by a series of serious crimes, especially in the last few months. I am penning this note in tribute to Seema Mangar with a high degree of sadness because twice last week I received prompt and efficient service from her hand at Demerara Bank in Camp Street, with the last occasion being only hours before her untimely death.
Anyone who was graced by her service at the bank would have been touched by her courteous, soft-spoken, and pleasant character, and would have had no doubt in their minds that she was a polite and well brought-up child. From all evidence she was from a humble background and chose to find a job and further her academic and professional career in life. This is in stark contrast to the get-rich-quick syndrome that now prevails. The Guyanese society is much poorer now with the loss of such a blossoming asset.
I first learnt about Seema’s demise while waiting for service at a snackette by the Demerara Harbour Bridge on Sunday, as I glimpsed over the newspaper and saw her picture on the front page. I picked up the three newspapers to read about her ordeal. One is left to wonder how someone in their true senses could commit such a vile act regardless of how desperate and insane they were. Worse, this event took place at a busy corner on a Friday afternoon as she courageously pursued the robber to retrieve her cellphone that she had honestly earned through hard work and sacrifice. Even more disturbing, no one came to her help or recognized the car number that the bandits used to crush her down. Moreover, her attackers like so many in the past, continue to evade the dragnet of the justice system be it the police or the courts as they walk the streets freely.
Finally, not even with the words of our great poet Martin Carter, “I intend to shed a sky of tears for you” nor Elton John’s famous song for Princess Diana, “Goodbye English Rose” will be enough to bring solace for such a loss to society. May her soul rest in peace.
Yours faithfully,
Rajendra Rampersaud
