Bats raised in farewell to murdered cricketer

Senior Multimedia Reporter

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Bats were raised high, pink balloons drifted skyward, and tears flowed freely as family, friends and teammates bid a final farewell to slain cricketer Rashme Deoajit, whose life was cut short in a brutal attack last week.

Dressed in her cricket uniform, Deoajit’s body was carried through the community she loved—Boodram Trace, Granville—before the funeral procession moved on to the Mosquito Creek Shore of Peace for cremation. Along the route, mourners paused for Hindu rites, with prayers led by Pundit Prabhudeo.

Her family wept as they walked alongside the casket, struggling to come to terms with the violent loss of the 28-year-old, affectionately known as “Ponkin.”

Members of the Players Sports Club and the Without Limits Cricket Team paid tribute by lifting their bats in unison. They later released pink balloons, symbolising her warmth, kindness and vibrant spirit, as her pyre was lit.

Family friend and former minister Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh described the killing as tragic and deeply unsettling.

“It is very, very sad. And with the turnout, you could see the lovely human being that she was—athletic, sociable, and from a very humble community,” he said.

Ramadharsingh, who once worked in the area as a veterinarian, said the tragedy should serve as a warning.

“We have to look at the people around us—the people we hire, the people we invite into our homes. Anyone can be a danger. Look for the signs—rage, jealousy, extreme sadness—and protect your family,” he urged.

At the funeral, Deoajit’s life was remembered not for how it ended, but for the joy and energy she brought to those around her. In a heartfelt eulogy delivered by Carina Ramkissoon, she was described as the “life of the game,” a gifted cricketer whose love for the sport forged lifelong friendships.

Ramkissoon said Deoajit attended Granville RC and Cedros Secondary School, where she excelled in cricket. She later worked at Albrosco Limited, determined to live independently despite life’s challenges.

Within her family, Ramkissoon said she was much more than a daughter and sister.

“She assumed multiple roles—mother, father and caretaker—always ensuring the well-being of everyone around her,” she recalled.

Her playful personality was reflected in the little things—making coffee for her father each morning, teasingly calling him “Madmen,” cooking bush and fish tea for the sick, and turning ordinary moments into laughter-filled memories.

Her brothers remembered beach cricket games, impromptu cook-ups, and her booming voice singing louder than any speaker.

Deoajit’s success with Cedros Secondary’s girls’ cricket team, including multiple PowerGen Secondary Schools titles, earned her numerous accolades. Her coach, Geraldine George, said that despite the tragedy, people should never stop helping others.

Police said Deoajit had been liming with a man whom her family had previously helped at their Granville home last Monday night.

She had been carrying $5,000 intended for car repairs. Around 8 pm, Deoajit and the man reportedly became involved in an altercation, and that was the last time she was seen alive. The suspect has not been seen since.

An autopsy revealed that Deoajit was bludgeoned to death.