He would have turned six in a few weeks, and his father would have celebrated his 43rd birthday.
Instead of candles and cake, it was tears and anguish as Roopnarine Gopaul and his son Christopher – both of whom died on Saturday, August 1 after losing control of a jet ski and colliding into a dock in Lawrence, Long Island – were laid to rest.
Hundreds came out to the Saturday, August 8 services at the Leahy-McDonald Funeral Home in Richmond Hill – and the line of cars in the funeral procession stretched for blocks.
“I would like to bring a little comfort to the family,” said the officiant during the somber ceremony, which, thanks to efforts by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and State Senator Joseph Addabbo, was also attended by Gopaul’s two sisters, Lilouttie and Bhagmattie.
According to family members, shortly after the accident, the women tried unsuccessfully to secure an interview with the U.S. Embassy in Guyana in time for the funeral. The interview process is a required step in order to obtain a visa to travel to the United States.
A third sister, Sandra Singh of Richmond Hill, then reached out to Addabbo for help. Working with Gillibrand, the urged the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana to fast track the interview process. The Embassy agreed to an appointment with the sisters and subsequently approved their emergency visas.
“During these difficult moments, it’s important for families to gather with their loved ones,” said Gillibrand. “I am relieved that Lilouttie and Bhagmattie are 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.”
A grateful Lilouttie 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.”
Seeram Singh, a brother-in-law, told The Courier that Gopaul jet skied “often,” and that the loss of two lives was “a tragic accident.”
Family friend Steve Persaud said that Gopaul’s wife Renuka, 38 – who was inconsolable and had to be kept from fainting – and a seven-year-old daughter are holding up the “best they can,” bolstered by extended family.
“We’d like to try to get some laws in place so this doesn’t happen again,” said Persaud.
