Published:
Sunday, May 4, 2014
In a statement e-mailed to the T&T Guardian yesterday evening, Independent Senator Helen Drayton, who is out of the country, expressed her shock at the murder of Dana Seetahal, SC.
She wrote:"Dana Seetahal, SC, was a dear friend and her loss is a personal blow. More so, it is a blow to the country at several levels. In jurisprudence, in her practical explanation of the law to the man in the street, in her advocacy for social justice, as a reasoned voice on national matters of importance whether these had to do with the law, education, the economy, and not in the least, the quality of governance.
"She loved this country with all of her heart, she served it well, and her dedication, resoluteness, and courage of conviction are virtues I have most admired. What a sad and traumatic state of affairs for her family, and the country.
"The manner in which she has died must send more fear throughout the country. We must avoid speculation in these matters. Importantly, crime must not be politicised.
"For Dana to have gone so soon, and for her to have died this way is especially painful. We sat on the Independent bench together for three years, and as a new Senator back in 2007/8, I’d learnt from her. We had maintained our friendship ever since. We shared notes, and after she left the Senate, she would often call me, voluntarily, to give her views on bills before the Senate.
"My sincerest condolences to her family.May she rest in peace."
"My sincerest condolences to her family.May she rest in peace."