Just one day to mark 24 years since he went missing on May 23, 1998, horrible memories of the brutal murder of Akiel Chambers have resurfaced. When the chairman of the 1997 task force into the abuse of wards at children’s homes, Robert Sabga, linked Akiel’s death to a paedophile ring last week, it created more heartache, anguish and pain for his family who have been waiting in vain for justice.
Sabga, speaking in an online interview from his home in Canada, said that an individual who was involved in a paedophile ring 25 years ago and holds a very high office in T&T today was linked to Akiel’s case. He did not call the person’s name.
But in Belmont, last Wednesday, Akiel’s aunt Rosemarie Seaton–his father, Rawle Chambers’s sister–broke down in tears as she stood behind her burglar-proof window. She said the revelation and resurfacing of her nephew’s murder in the media and on social platforms has only created agitation and reopened wounds that never healed.
Akiel, 11, went missing at the home of businessman Charles James at Balata Terrace, in upscale Haleland Park, Maraval, where his then-wife, Annelore James, had hosted a pool party to celebrate the 11th birthday of their daughter Carie. Akiel’s body was found a day later, on May 24, in their pool.
A broken and emotional Seaton responding to Sabga’s revelation said, «I can’t take it. It is too much. The stress is killing me…it hurting me inside. Everything is being rehashed. Nothing will come out of this.
«I don’t even want to call Akiel’s father in England to tell him what going on in Trinidad. This will only upset him and bring him further pain and grief.» Seaton said.
«When will it end? Gosh, when will it end? When will this matter be put to rest?» she asked wearily.
An elderly male came to the window and coaxed her to be calm.
Wiping away tears, Seaton walked away saying she could not speak further.
Akiel’s uncle Lindon Chambers, who lives elsewhere, said the family has been trying to forget the ugly past even though they still live in agony every day.
«The memories are hard to erase even though my sisters and them have already given up on Akiel’s murder after that lengthy period of time…24 years. They just tell themselves he’s gone…he died and that is it. Nothing will come out of this,» said Chambers.
Chambers said when they speak to Akiel’s dad on the phone they try to avoid any discussion about his son because most times he is «despondent».
But the family never expected to see screaming headlines in the newspapers and reports on social media about a paedophile ring involving Akiel. This sunk their hearts further.
«To this day there has never been closure. We have to live with this.» Chambers said they may go to their graves not knowing who sexually assaulted and murdered Akiel.
«That is the hardest part of dealing with this.»
Akiel’s uncle was sceptical and felt this new revelation will go nowhere as the names of the people involved are not being called.
Last week, Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis called on Sabga to go to the police with information on Akiel’s death since he claimed to know the identity of the two people involved.
Sabga said he would cooperate with the police in its investigations.
LINK ORIGINAL: The Trinidad Guardian
