BOTH Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles have issued condolences on the passing of local government councillor Romona Victor.
Persad-Bissessar posted on social media, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic passing of councillor Romona Teeneal Victor, the dedicated representative for Siparia East and San Francique South, whose life ended under the most painful and distressing circumstances.”
“Romona was a committed and compassionate public servant whose work touched many lives. She served her community with humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Her loss leaves a profound void within the Siparia Borough Corporation and across the wider community.”
Persad-Bissessar continued, “This tragedy reminds us of how complex and fragile personal circumstances can be. It also reinforces the importance of reaching out for help, and of ensuring that anyone facing quiet struggles feels supported, encouraged, and safe to come forward without fear or hesitation.”
She honoured Victor’s legacy of service, compassion and community upliftment.
The bodies of Victor and her partner Rodney Ramsumair were discovered on Sunday evening. Several members of the United National Congress (UNC) also expressed condolences on her untimely passing.
An autopsy found that Victor died due to a blunt force trauma to the head and neck.
Ramsumair died as a result of poisoning, post-mortem results found.
The couple died in what police suspected was a murder-suicide.
In a media release, Beckles expressed similar sentiments.
“In this moment of deep loss, politics holds no relevance. We are not PNM or UNC. Death, grief, and the scourge of domestic violence transcend political affiliation,” she said.
“Humanity and empathy must guide our response, for tragedy does not recognise party, ethnic, religious, or geographical lines. We therefore mourn together as a nation.”
Referring to abuse of women Beckles said in Trinidad and Tobago, reports of domestic abuse, intimate partner violence, and gender-based violence continue to rise, thereby affecting women, men, children, and entire communities.
She said, “The harm is not only physical. Domestic violence may also be emotional, psychological, financial, and mental.”
The Opposition Leader called for stronger legal systems, expanded resources for gender-based violence units, police sensitivity and improved support services for victims.
She said, “In this moment of national grief, let us honour Councillor Victor’s memory by recommitting ourselves to the protection of women, girls, and all vulnerable persons. We must speak up, intervene, and act with courage.”
