Relatives weep as their ‘joy’
Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
The emotional funeral for Keifer Wilson became a powerful call to action for women, as mourners gathered to pay tribute to her.
Wilson died after being beaten with a wheel spanner and run over by a man in a car last week.
Addressing mourners at Clarke and Battoo Funeral Home in San Fernando yesterday, Anglican Bishop Emmrick Charles urged women to draw strength from Wilson’s life and death, to rise above their circumstances, and to empower themselves.
“Stay on top of your game,” the Bishop implored.
“Don’t wait for a man to bring home a salary for you. Don’t wait for a man to give you a dollar. Empower yourself. While you are in the situation, empower yourself. When you leave, leave with education. Rise, young ladies. Don’t sit and wait for anything to come to you. Don’t make yourself a slave,” he added.
And as the Bishop’s words resonated, Wilson’s loved ones took to the podium to share their memories of her.
Her cousin Christian, who delivered the eulogy, spoke of Wilson as his “ride or die,” a constant presence in his life, someone who never hesitated to bring joy and comfort in even the darkest times.
“When I was going through my first heartbreak she came next to me and said, ‘Don’t be an idiot. You don’t need any other woman in your life but me,’” Christian recalled.
Recounting their childhood memories, filled with laughter and adventure, Christian recalled the day they pelted mangoes and a “jep” nest fell on Wilson’s head.
“Even when faced with the cruelty of this world, Keifer was someone who was always by my side,” Christian said, his voice breaking. “She was my joy, my pride. There was never a me without you… and there never will be.”
Her friend Latoya Henry described Wilson as “the life of the party,” someone who always sought out new adventures and one who loved to eat fish.
She said Wilson was a deeply spiritual person, noting how seriously she took her relationship with God.
Wilson’s sister, Shazara, broke down in tears as she spoke of the love they shared and how Wilson loved to ask her what she cooked. She said Wilson enjoyed life and had set goals for her future.
Winni Asson, who taught Wilson for five years at the Marabella South Secondary School, remembered Wilson as a student who was eager to learn.
“She had a spirit of wanting to do better and be better,” Assoon said adding, “I don’t want to remember her last moments, but the Keifer I knew was one who was always striving, always reaching for more.”
Wilson’s friend, Savio, wept openly as he recalled how he did not like Wilson at first because of what he called “her bad attitude”. He said they became inseparable after sharing grief.
On Monday, Trevist Nicholas appeared before San Fernando Master Shabiki Cazabon charged with Wilson’s murder which took place on August 13. Wilson had been with a friend when their car was struck. A man in another vehicle came out and reportedly began beating her with a wheel spanner. Wilson tried to flee but the man pursued her with his car, allegedly running her over.
Nicholas will reappear in court on July 23, 2025, when his case comes up for a sufficiency hearing.
The post Relatives weep as their ‘joy’ first appeared on CNC3.