By Invera Arjoon Saturday, November 7 2009

The Police Service is deeply saddened by the death of police constable Arnold “Stevie Pinky” Deonarine.

“We all ask why it was a talented, dedicated young man who chose a life of duty, courage and danger over every other career, was taken away, but only God knows best,” Snr Supt Terry Archibald of the Southern Division told scores of mourners yesterday.

Archibald spoke during the Hindu funeral service held at Deonarine’s home at Batchiya Branch Trace 2, Penal. Deonarine, 27, died on Tuesday at the San Fernando General Hospital of pulmonary (lung) and kidney failure. He was also treated for flu symptoms but tests for Influenza A/H1N1, or swine flu, were negative.

Deonarine, a Court and Process officer who served at the San Fernando High Court, was given a military funeral.

Archibald said Deonarine was loved and respected by all and was an example to young officers.

Deonarine’s mother Camla called out for him several times as she made a brave attempt to read the eulogy of him.

Assisted by her daughters Debbie and Pearl, Camla said Deonarine, her only son, lived his life to the fullest. “When my son came home and said, ‘Mummy I got accepted into the Police Service today, and I also got a job as a civil engineer and I decided to join the Police Service’, I said, ‘Whatever makes you happy, son’.”

“He started working part time at the tender age of 16, he was intelligent, loved football, racing, enjoyed studying and loved spending time on the sister isle (Tobago). I don’t know how he managed it but he mixed it all together and excelled at everything he did. He is gone but he lived life to its fullest.”

Pundit Dhanraj Haripersad Maharaj urged mourners to love and appreciate each other and live in unity and to not take life for granted.

Police on motorcycles led a procession. The cries of relatives rose above one of Deonarine’s favourite Indian songs which was played for him.

At the Shore of Peace, Mosquito Creek, San Fernando, Deonarine’s coffin was carried by his colleagues as they marched to the police band.

As his fellow officers sounded their 21-gun salute, Deonarine’s coffin was closed, as the last rites were performed and his funeral pyre lit.