Pierre
Deputy Prime Minister and Castries East Representative Philip J. Pierre said the recent tragic death of a resident in his constituency has caused him to reflect on life.
The partly decomposed body of well-known vagrant John Johnnie, better known as Magana, was discovered in the wee hours of this morning under the rubble of a collapsed wall in Trou Rouge, Marchand.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page minutes ago, Pierre said he has just returned from Trou Rouge where he had the “unfortunate experience of witnessing, first hand the partly decomposed body”.
Pierre, who is also the minister for infrastructure, port services and transport, said seeing Magana’s lifeless body made him reflect on his “own mortality and that of man in general”.
“These experiences should have an impact on all of us, not just the immediate family,” Pierre said. “It should cause us to ponder on the true meaning of life, and seeing the frailty of man, should help limit our negativity and propensity to harm or injure people by word or deed.”
While expressing condolences to Magana’s family, the minister commended several people who were instrumental in locating and removing the body from the mass rubble.
“I want to compliment the residents of Trou Rouge for their selfless community effort in assisting the police and staff of the funeral home in removing the decaying body from the mass rubble.
“Special mention must be made of MacArthur and his brother and the neighbour who supplied electricity for the equipment used. Reyneau Gajagdhar of CIE also offered his equipment to assist in removal of the body.
“I also want to commend the police officers who were on the scene for many hours investigating the tragedy. Allow me to mention PC517 Joseph, PC 291 Emmanuel, WPC 832 Wilton, Corporal 331 Henry and SPC 43 Didier for their professionalism and commitment,” the minister said.
Neighbours have told SNO that this was the second time a wall was collapsing on Magana.