Ann Shurla comments

Condolences to the parents, relatives, friends and people of Japan for the untimely loss of your beautiful child, relative, friend and citizen. All of T&T and in fact anyone, who has or has had any connection to Trinidad and Tobago right now feels a sense of embarrassment and anger both at the same time. Many people in T&T loved this young woman dearly. I live in New York City and was streaming Panorama, (a competition among steel orchestras, which takes place on carnival Saturday night) and I saw Asami playing with PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars. Each time the cameras zeroed in on her we saw her beautiful broad smile and how much she really enjoyed what she was doing, but little did we know that would have been the last time many of us were going to see her. I feel really sorry that it turned out to be a bright young beautiful and talented woman like Asami, but T&T more so, Trinidad is NOT a place where foreigners visit and are killed, especially NOT at carnival time, so it has left the population quite stunned. What is even more shocking is that it turned out to be someone, who is quite popular among many Trinis within the steel pan fraternity. I can only imagine what her friends, who were visiting with her at that time and who have since departed must now feel, but it is NOT a place where foreigners are targeted in any way, so we are thinking maybe it was a crime of passion, because many Trinis loved her. It could have been someone, whose advances she rejected and the person reacted violently. I pray the police solve this crime as quickly as possible and bring back some dignity to T&T where its visitors and annual carnival are concerned. To Asami's visiting Japanese friends: While we KNOW T&T WILL be a bad reminder to you of Asami's death, we do hope you are NOT scared to return. I am sure seeing you guys again WILL bring some comfort and smiles to her friends back in T&T. Please also KNOW that the majority of People associated with T&T are disgusted by the mayor's comments. He had some concerns about the festival, but it was the wrong place and time to bring them up. He should have just expressed his condolences and moved on and if he still chose to raise his concerns, he could have done so at another forum. Last, but NOT least, to Asami's parents: I CANNOT imagine the hole you MUST NOW FEEL in your hearts and even though, I have NEVER met your beautiful daughter I FEEL your pain. Condolences to everyone again and may her soul rest in peace. She WILL be surely missed in T&T.