…Pres Ali assures grieving family of full Govt support
Tragedy struck in the community of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Tuesday morning when two siblings drowned after reportedly falling into a trench at a construction site. Dead are nine-year-old Tianna DeCourte and 10-year-old Jadon DeCourte, both pupils of Melanie Damishana, ECD. According to Police, the incident occurred between 08:00h and 11:05h along the Melanie Damishana/Enterprise Access Road.
Investigators said the children were in the area with their mother when they reportedly wandered away. At about 11:05h, information was received that two children were found motionless in a trench. Police said that emergency medical technicians (EMTs) responded and pronounced them dead at the scene. No marks of violence were observed on their bodies, Police reported. Following the incident, the children’s father, Jason DeCourte, told reporters that the siblings had joined relatives to play Phagwah, a yearly tradition in the area.
“It’s an annual thing. Every year is an annual thing. They must go and play,” the grieving father said. He explained that Tianna had reportedly gone to refill her water gun from the trench, which had become filled with water due to ongoing construction works. She is believed to have slipped and fallen in. Her brother, Jadon, immediately attempted to rescue her but also fell into the water. He said that by the time he arrived at the scene, the children had already been pulled from the water and were lying motionless as residents gathered. The ambulance arrived shortly after.
“I hear the ambulance siren coming in… their medical team was on foot running towards the kids to try to save them,” he said. The trench, residents said, was part of ongoing road and drainage works in the area. Questions were also raised about the role of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in relation to water reportedly being discharged into the trench.
Govt’s support
Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed condolences on his official Facebook page after the incident occurred, stating that Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues visited the family to convey the government’s sympathies and assure them of full support.
“No words can truly ease the pain of such a devastating loss, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We stand with you and will ensure that every possible support is provided as you navigate this period of profound grief,” the President stated. Education Minister Sonia Parag also visited the family on Tuesday. Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who also visited the family, urged that the tragedy not be politicised.
“While we celebrate the great Festival of Holi, I ask that we pause to bear in our thoughts Jadon and Tianna DeCourte, who tragically perished today,” he said. The children’s father noted that Tianna, who was a twin, would have celebrated her birthday on March 21, while Jadon had turned 10 just last month. The siblings were among five children. Police said further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
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