Latest update January 28th, 2025 12:59 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

New York Senate intervention secures visas for grieving sisters

Aug 12, 2009 News

New York, NY – After a recent jet ski accident that led to the tragic death of a Queens father and son, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) helped expedite the visa process allowing close relatives abroad to arrive in New York in time for the funeral.
The sisters of the deceased father reunited with their Queens family on Saturday morning – hours before the somber ceremony.
Senator Gillibrand said, “During these difficult moments, it’s important for families to gather with their loved ones.
I am relieved that Lilouttie and Bhagmattie (were) able to join their family and friends here at home as they grieve from the loss of their brother and nephew. Our deepest condolences go out to the Gopaul family. They are in our prayers.”
State Senator Addabbo said, “In addressing this unfortunate family issue, I was grateful to successfully work with Sen. Gillibrand’s office to assist our constituent through their difficult time.”
Lilouttie Gopaul, one of the two sisters traveling from Guyana to New York, said, “The entire Gopaul family thanks Senator Gillibrand and State Senator Addabbo.
It’s been more than a decade since I’ve visited my family and it means so much that I will be present for the funeral of my brother and nephew. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for making the impossible possible.”
On August 1, last, Queens resident Roopnarine Gopaul, 42, and his five-year-old son Christopher Gopaul, died after losing control of a jet ski and colliding into a dock in Lawrence, Long Island.
Shortly after the accident, two of Mr. Gopaul’s sisters, Lilouttie and Bhagmattie Gopaul, unsuccessfully tried to secure an interview with the U.S. Embassy in Guyana in time for the funeral that was held in Jamaica, Queens.
The interview process is a required step in order to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. Without an expedited interview, the Guyanese sisters would have missed the important ceremony.
Mr. Gopaul’s third sister, Sandra Singh of Richmond Hill, Queens, reached out to State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) for help early last week. The Senator then worked with Sen. Gillibrand’s office to intervene. The Senator’s office immediately urged the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana to fast track the interview process.
The Embassy agreed to an appointment with the sisters last Friday morning and approved their emergency visas.
Mr. Gopaul, who immigrated to the United States two decades ago, worked as a truck-driver and was an active member of his community.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | January, 24th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Tennis Association applauds historic GYD $8 billion allocation to the sports sector in the 2025 National Budget

Tennis Association applauds historic GYD $8 billion allocation to the...

Jan 28, 2025

Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) commends the Government of Guyana (GOG) for its significant increase in funding to the sports sector in the 2025 National budget. This...
Read More
Squash Association notes significance of Government Sports Budget Allocation 2025

Squash Association notes significance of...

Jan 28, 2025

Pepsi Hikers and GBTI GCC win Bounty/Antonio’s Grill Hockey Tourney

Pepsi Hikers and GBTI GCC win Bounty/Antonio’s...

Jan 28, 2025

GYMMAF president lauds Transformative G$8 billion Sports Budget

GYMMAF president lauds Transformative G$8 billion...

Jan 28, 2025

GOA says 2025 Sports Budget allocation demonstrates government commitment to sports sector

GOA says 2025 Sports Budget allocation...

Jan 28, 2025

Foreign Link Darts Club hosts successful Inaugural Tournament

Foreign Link Darts Club hosts successful...

Jan 28, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]