Murdered at sea, ‘Baker’ laid to restBy RHONDOR DOWLAT Wednesday, November 12 2008
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CONSOLED: Judy Ali is consoled by a relative at the funeral of her husband, Assim Ali who was murdered while returning from a pleasure trip 'down the...
Assim “Baker” Ali, 42, of Cunupia who was killed during an expedition “down the islands” on Sunday was yesterday described as a “hero” as he sacrificially flung himself over the children on-board the pirogue Sandy in an attempt to save them from bullets which were sprayed by “pirates”.
This was revealed by his cousin Patrice Charles during delivery of her eulogy at his funeral which took place at his Petersville Street, Chin Chin Road, residence. The service was conducted under Christian rites and officiated by Brother Lincoln Henry.
Hundreds of mourners, young and old shed tears for Ali who was described as a kind, gentle and fun-loving individual.
“Baker as he was fondly called was given that name from small because he loved to wear baker’s clothes and a hat. There is nothing anyone could say bad about Baker because he was well-loved by all. I remember recently he built a kitchen cupboard for my husband without charging him because money was not everything to him; he just loved to make everyone happy,” Charles said.
Charles also said Ali recently left his job at a woodworking place to start up his own business at home. “he left his regular job to pursue his own. He was so talented and ambitious; he really loved his woodwork and did exceptional work. When he started to work at home, his bond for his family grew stronger. We did not only lose Baker but at least he died a hero because he chose to protect the children around him on that day by throwing himself over them. He sacrificed himself and today we are saying goodbye to a hero,” Charles said with tears streaming down her cheeks. Charles then called for justice and hoped that it will prevail, “things have a way of coming back to people who do wrong.”
Former co-worker, identified as Patrina of Maraj Woodworking, in sharing a few words during the service said Ali worked in the organisation faithfully for the past 23 years, “He was very reliable and honest. He loved to teach people around him what he knew best.”
Ali’s wife, Latchmin, fondly called Judy and her two children Azard and Kalisha, 13, were inconsolable throughout the service. Ali’s children were seen huddling and crying constantly as other relatives distributed red and white roses to Ali’s siblings including seven brothers. Red, yellow and white carnations were given to Ali’s nieces and nephews. The flowers were placed in Ali’s white coffin minutes before it was taken from the home to the Caroni cremation site where Ali’s body was cremated.
Speaking with Newsday Rodney Manwah, whose wife, Indira was shot in the chest yesterday told Newsday that she was “coming around”. “She is going good so far, not out of the woods yet but atleast this morning before I came to the funeral I went and look for her in the hospital and she was able to eat a sandwich, that at least is a good sign.”
