Rishad Khan
Relatives and loved ones of 16-year-old Quinton Gabriel believe he died too soon, but say his time on earth was short but left a lasting impression on them.
The Grade 4 student at Siparia West Secondary School is one of four people to have died from dengue since June. He died at Point Fortin Hospital on July 16 after suffering from dengue for several days. He also had sickle cell disease.
From early on in the funeral, held July 20 at Boise Voodoo Funeral Home and Crematorium in Penal, it was clear that Gabriel had lived a rich life that will never be forgotten.
“Quinton touched us more than words can describe,” his uncle, Ricardo Hayes, said in a eulogy.
“He lived with passion and purpose. He was a force of nature. His presence was the epitome of warmth and kindness. His infectious laughter will be remembered in us forever.”
He remembered his nephew, who was often the source of arguments with his sister, for his ability to speak his mind, get along with everyone regardless of age, and handle tasks above and beyond those expected for his age.
“If you saw Quinton mixing concrete, you’d wonder how this little frame got so strong. Just ask his dad.”
Karon Hamilton, Gabriel’s friend since kindergarten, said his son was into sports, video games, walking on stilts and sneaking off to play in the nearby river, much to his parents’ displeasure. He also loved construction equipment.
“If Quinton sees a backhoe coming into the lot, don’t say anything. He’ll always find his place. He loved backhoes. I always promised him that if he ever came into this world, I’d buy him a backhoe. Oh, he was looking forward to that backhoe. Now he’s gone and I can’t fulfill his wish.”
Apart from Gabriel’s family and friends, he also left an indelible mark on his teachers, said Principal Radekha Kisoonsingh as he read out some of the teachers’ testimonials. While lamenting Gabriel’s death, he said his uncle would at least not suffer any more. After Gabriel’s death, his parents expressed concern about his treatment at the hospital.
The South West Regional Health Authority said in a statement that it had launched a detailed investigation into the matter.
“The department sympathises with the next of kin and loved ones of the deceased client and has extended bereavement services to the family. In line with standard procedure, a preliminary report has been prepared detailing the care of the deceased client, while a detailed investigation is ongoing to better understand the circumstances surrounding the death.”
At the time of his death, there were two other patients and 303 laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue fever.
The Ministry of Health announced a fourth death on July 20, bringing the total number of infected people to 392. The Ministry of Health says the disease is spread by the bite of an infected animal. Aedes aegypti Transmitted by mosquitoes, symptoms of dengue include fever, headache (sometimes severe), pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
It said anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms of dengue fever should seek immediate treatment from their family doctor or the nearest health facility.
He also urged people to clean up their surroundings to eliminate breeding sites for the insects.
