Miss. Ramoutte Chattoor remembered

By Shakir Khan

On Sunday 22nd, September, residents, well- wishers, present and past students of the Layman E Scott Senior High School, turned out in their numbers at the Aston Rutty Center, to be a part of the historic, Thanksgiving Service,” for former teacher, MISS. RAMOUTTE CHATTOOR.

Deputy District Commissioner, Mr. Mark Tibbetts got proceedings underway by giving a hearty welcome to all especially her family who came in from Trinidad, as well as, the United States. “Today, we celebrate Ramo’s life and stewardship and trust that we will all remember her sterling and professional work.”

Prayer was given by V.P. Ms. Sharon Austin and was followed by the tribute from Education Minister, Hon. Juliana O’Connor Connolly. It was read by Mrs. Tammy Hopkins, Chief Education Officer.

“We have lost a truly dedicated and committed teacher. Ramo’s work was one of true professionalism and commitment. Her total dedication to ensuring the success of her students was an admirable feature of her teaching career. She will be sorely missed.”

Acting S.S.I.O for the Sister Islands and former principal of the high school, Mr. Adrian Jones then gave his tribute. “I am honoured to stand before all today to speak on behalf of my staff and myself about Ramo,” he said. “Her dedication to the job was unsurpassed. To get the best from the students, she developed a loving relationship often punctuated with great discipline. Ramo was well loved by all her students. In order to ensure the students were well prepared she frequently stayed late and even turned up on weekends. Her distinctive feature of teaching was her total commitment to the task. That is true dedication and love. Her 22 years of distinguished service to the school and community will be unforgettable.”

Mrs. Neila Jones then gave a moving rendition of the song, “ Many Things About Tomorrow.”

Following her presentation, Lion Yvette Gayle, MJF, a colleague of Ramo made her presentation. “Ramo was an unassuming yet peaceful, loving, trustworthy colleague and member of this club. She joined us in 2006 and served in various capacities. She was renowned for her incomparable delicacies, especially those marvellous cupcakes and banana bread. She spared no expense to add decor to any event. A true Gem indeed.”

Saxophonist Mr. Junior Hines gave an emotional rendition entitled, “ How Beautiful.”

Deomattee Harrysingh, her eldest sister then presented Ramo’s life story. Her commencement was emotional with tears flowing and choking regularly as she spoke. Many in the audience broke down during her great story. “Ramo is the 7th child of 8 siblings. Today we are now 6, having lost my only brother a couple years ago. . My greatest treasure is the bod that we had. In the midst of her trying time, we hoped for the impossible. It was not to be. Ramo just loved to cook and bake. She loved what she did and teaching was her passion. She spoke highly of the students, colleagues and the community. Here was home. Her life was one of true professionalism. She lived by the great creed , never to take from others but forever giving to them. Thank you all for the love you gave her.”

Sister, Rajwantee Bullock, then brought gratitude on behalf of the family. “We are truly humbled by this ceremony. We have heard so much wonderful things about this island and today is a true reflection of it. Special thanks to Lions Club and the High School for this wonderful occasion. We have only one life to live and it must be one of value, as long as we value the lives of others. This was Ramo’s motto. We also extend gratitude to the government for being a part of this ceremony. Ramo gave off her best to this island. Thank you all so much for celebrating the life of our dear sister. May God bless you all.”

After the closing remarks by the Deputy Commissioner, Mrs. Neila Jones closed off in prayer for the family. As attendees exited the auditorium they took time to stop and express their love towards them.