The anguish continues for the family of 57-year-old sailor Raymond Somra of Islington, Greater New Amsterdam, who remains among those reported missing following the maritime tragedy involving the MV Barima.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her son’s fate, 77-year-old Rebecca Somra says she refuses to give up hope and continues to pray that he will be found alive.
Recalling their last conversation just days before the incident, the emotional mother said she urged her son to always pray for God’s protection while at sea.
“Last week Monday me talk to him… me said hear, ‘You travelling on water top must learn to pray to God and call upon God for safety when you’re there on the water top.’ People call me and tell me said, ‘They boat that my son working on capsize.’ You trying to call but you not getting through it. Well me hoping to see him alive. I want to see him alive. He must be at some bush corner jook up waiting for somebody to go rescue him,” she said through tears.
Rebecca said the ordeal has taken a devastating toll on her.
“I ain’t sleeping, I ain’t eat, I ain’t do nothing. But my son always is a good person to me. He is my back brace to me. A long Raymond working on that boat,” she added.
Meanwhile, Raymond’s sister, Gaindawatie Hookumchand, also expressed hope that her brother will be found alive.
“I’m hoping for the best. I’m hoping that we could see him alive,” she said.
Hookumchand also reflected on the opportunity she hopes they will have to rebuild their relationship.
“I hope that we should be connected lovingly,” she said, explaining that although they had not been communicating much in recent times, she looks forward to reconnecting with her brother should he return safely.
As search efforts continue, Raymond Somra’s family remains united in faith, holding on to the hope that the experienced sailor will be found alive and returned safely to those who continue to wait and pray for his homecoming.
