By Susan Mohammed
FOREIGN delegates and heads of missions of international organisations yesterday held a memorial for slain Japanese pannist Asami Nagakiya in Port of Spain.
The representatives laid a wreath on the spot in the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, where the body of Nagakiya was found on Ash Wednesday (February 10). A photo posted on a Facebook page of the High Commission of Canada to Trinidad and Tobago showed the foreign officials with their heads bent as they stood in a circle around the wreath.
A statement posted with the photo read: “We wish to first and foremost extend our condolences to the family and many friends of Asami, and to express our grief at the loss of such a vibrant young woman who had so much to look forward to. We also wish to express our solidarity to all those who are struggling to cope with this very tragic loss. Asami’s multicultural commitment is an example for societies that celebrate diversity and embrace the idea that society is stronger and more harmonious in spite of differences.”
The wreath was placed among other bouquets of flowers left in sympathy over the loss of the 30-year-old pannist. Nagakiya was found dead under a tree at the Savannah.
Last week, three men and one woman were questioned by police, but by Saturday they had all been released.
Nagakiya, who was wearing her Carnival costume when she was found, was playing mas for the first time but had played pan for four years with PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars Steel Orchestra and had taken part in the Panorama competition for eight years.
Japanese police officers have got involved in the investigation. Forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov, who performed a three-hour autopsy on Nagakiya’s body last week, said he had been contacted by authorities of Yokohama City over the weekend and was asked to share information with them.
The killing of Nagakiya has grabbed international headlines.
Replies
Asami, you were the the most Incredible Trinbagonian that Japan had ever created. Your remains may settle in Japan, your soul be kept safely in Heaven, but your spirit will eternally live in our Country, and in the hearts of so many who were privileged to know and love you as my wife and I did. We pray that your spirit will lead to the capture and bring to Justice, the Monster who committed this Ungodly Act.
Until your spirit finally rest in peace, we SAYONARA OUR BELOVED ASAMI!!!!!!!
Quite in Africa they are talking about this murder. The news of this murder spread all over the world like wildfire. When is PAN MUSIC going to reach that same INTERNATIONAL MEDIA?
http://www.africanews.com/2016/02/16/uproar-after-japanese-woman-fo...