Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodan, said yesterday he was saddened by the situation of former mayor, Natasha Navas, and pleading with groups who are in a position to help her to come forward.
Navas has been seen walking the streets of Chaguanas carrying a heavy knapsack. Residents have reported seeing her walking aimlessly on the street where she lives in Balmoral Park. She appeared to be a shadow of her former self.
Navas, Chaguanas’ first female mayor, served from 2009 to 2010 after Tabaquite MP Suruj Rambachan held the post. She was replaced by Orlando Nagessar in 2010.
Navas also worked in the human resource department at the Airports Authority after demitting office at the Chaguanas Borough Corporation.
She also worked with First Citizens bank before she became mayor.
Boodan, contacted by the T&T Guardian yesterday said: “Regardless of what, history will always record her as a former mayor of Chaguanas.
“I am very much saddened by the present situation with her.”
Boodan said when Navas demitted office in 2010, he lost contact with her.
He said he was made aware of her situation within the last two weeks and has asked a team from the Chaguanas Borough Corporation to contact her to see if they can help her.
“This is a work still in progress,” he said. Boodan said he has no other comment to make because he would not want to publicly discuss any personal misfortune that may have befallen Navas.
But he pleaded for help for her.
“I think she needs help. “I am asking groups, even faith-based organisations, to come forward to help her in whatever way they could.
“She is a mother, she is a member of the Chaguanas community. I am asking people in the borough to please assist her. This is the holy season (Easter). Let people show compassion and care, not just talk.”
Diana Mahabir-Wyatt, head of the T&T Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said while they have social workers and counsellors, someone Navas knows will have to bring her to them.
“She may not trust strangers who approach her or even people from the mayor’s office or the media.”
Mahabir-Wyatt said Navas may respond better to church members.
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