THE body of 15-year-old Malini Persad was found on Thursday in Barrackpore.

Persad was autistic and a Form Two pupil of the ASJA Girls College Barrackpore.

Her cousin shared a tribute to her on social media pleading for justice and thanking those who assisted in searching for her since she was reported missing last Sunday.

The following is the tribute posted by Antonia Vasquez and shared by the Hunters Search and Rescue Team who ably assisted in finding her body”

“It is with a heavy heart my family and I say goodbye to Malini Persad.

“I have been a part of this little girl’s life from the very moment she was born. I felt her in the womb before she even entered this world — I watched her grow, laugh, learn. I knew her spirit. Malini, this world did not deserve you. It was never fair to you — not for a single second. Time and time again, humanity failed you. And even now, in your death, it continues to do so.

“Our family is pleading with the justice system — we ask you to imagine if this were your daughter, your niece, your cousin, your granddaughter. Imagine the unbearable weight we now carry. The emotional and psychological wounds left behind are not just painful — they are permanent.

“Please, find the monster who did this. Please, bring him to justice. Not just for Malini, but for every little girl in Trinidad whose life is at risk. Do what could not be done to save her — give her family the closure they deserve. Give her spirit the justice she was denied.

“We wish this wasn’t as public as it has become. This grief is unimaginable, and we ask that everyone remain compassionate and understand what we are experiencing. Please, give us the space we need to process this pain. Still, we recognize how important awareness is and we would like to remain as transparent as possible about the situation — because this didn’t happen far away. It happened right here, in our backyard. Malini was within walking distance of her home when she crossed paths with the predator who ended her life and shattered countless others in the process.

“What’s even more horrifying is that sick criminals like this are often protected — by their families, by silence, by a culture of turning away. In Malini’s case, people withheld information. They spread lies and misled the search. They tried to cover up what happened. Neighbours who saw and heard refused to intervene. They stood by. This level of complicity is sickening, and it cannot be ignored.

“Trinidad has become a terrifying place for women and girls. We live in constant fear. We are not protected. We are not safe. We are not heard. But this cannot continue. Let this be the wake-up call our nation so desperately needs. We must demand better. We deserve better. Malini deserved better.

“We need to stand up — together — and change this. Because we are part of the problem. We grieve. We cry. We talk. And then we move on. But nothing changes. There is no sustained outrage. No action. Please — don’t wait until it’s your family, your child. Don’t let your loved one be the next name we mourn. The monster who did this cannot be allowed to roam free. I share this because if there is insufficient evidence, no one will held be accountable. We cannot allow demons to walk among us.

“To the Hunters Search and Rescue Team — Thank you for everything you did for my family and me. Because of your selflessness, we were able to locate Malini and at least begin the process of closure. The police could learn from you — your determination, your compassion, your courage. You gave us more than we can ever repay.

“Malini, may your soul rest peacefully. God, please hold her close. Protect her now as we could not. The world failed her — but You, Lord, never will.”