Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the funeral of Romona Victor
By Alicia Chamely
IN an emotional tribute to the late Siparia Councillor Romona Victor, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she will not let Victor’s life be defined by its final chapter and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening all systems that protect families in distress.
The prime minister joined with Victor’s friends, families and constituents to lay the councillor to rest on Thursday at Irwin Park, Siparia.
Delivering a heartfelt tribute, Persad-Bissessar said, “As I watched her grow in public life, she became like a daughter to me: honest, hard-working, humble, determined, and full of love for others. I encouraged her to step into public service because her sincerity and connection to her community were unmistakable.”
“Even when she was tired, she pushed forward, saying, ‘The people are counting on me, Leader.’ Her loss profoundly affects me as a leader, as a woman, and as a mother,” she added.
Speaking directly to Victor’s family, she said, “Know this: Romona was seen. She was valued. And she was deeply loved.”
Persad-Bissessar, who praised Victor for her humility and caring spirit, she addressed the circumstances Victor faced outside of the public eye, the struggles she dealt with in her own home.
She said, “Her life will not be defined by its final chapter. Behind the councillor was a woman who faced private struggles while still showing up for others with smiles, hope, and love. Her story serves as a reminder that no one should endure their pain in silence, and help must be accessible to anyone who feels unsafe.”
“As Prime Minister, I reaffirm our commitment to strengthening every system that protects families in distress,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar added, “Let one part of her legacy be this: more people should reach out for help, and more of us should respond with compassion.”
The Prime Minister said, “Her work will continue. Although her seat may be empty, her cause lives on, reflected in better roads, clean water, safer communities, opportunities for our youth, dignity for rural families, and stronger protections for those in danger.”
“To young activists: let her story inspire you. She rose from a small village with no privilege and made a real difference. Carry her legacy forward and continue the important work she began,” she said.
Persad-Bissessar closed her tribute, saying, “My brothers and sisters, let us honour her memory with love. Remember her laughter, her courage, her yellow jersey on the roadside, and her quiet, trusting smile. Honour her not only in mourning, but also in living: through strong families, safer communities, and compassion over division. Her life earned the love we see today. She deserved for her work to continue and to be remembered with pride.”
“May God bless the memory of Councillor Romona Teeneal Victor.”
Victor and her common-in-law husband Rodney Ramsumair were found dead at their home in Siparia on Sunday.
It was determined their cause of death was murder suicide, with Ramsumair having killed Victor, then himself.
Victor’s family spoke openly that her relationship had been plagued with instances of domestic violence and they had pleaded with her in the past to leave.
