Orlando Jaikarran's Mother Demands Justice; Paternal Grandmother Distances Herself After Son Identified as Suspect

According to the Guyana Times, Navita Ramnarine, 31, the mother of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran, who was reported missing from Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, is demanding justice after his decomposed body was found on Monday evening, October 15, at about 10:30h. Ramnarine stated that she wants those responsible to face severe punishment.

Orlando's paternal grandmother, Dhankumarie Gowkarran, 65, also stated that she has distanced herself from her son, who the Police have identified as the primary suspect in the investigation. Gowkarran informed the media on Tuesday that investigators had told her her son claimed Orlando was not his biological child. Gowkarran informed the media on Tuesday that investigators had told her her son claimed Orlando was not his biological child. She expressed that this information was a shock because her son had never previously mentioned any doubts about the paternity of his children.

Following the discovery of Orlando’s suspected remains, Gowkarran expressed devastation and difficulty comprehending how her son could be involved in the investigation. She subsequently declared that she wishes to have nothing further to do with her son, stating that he should go to jail.

Ramnarine traveled to the area the day after Orlando was reported missing, on October 15, at about 10:30h, and participated in searches for him over several days. She later received a telephone call at approximately 00:45h on Tuesday informing her that a body had been found. Ramnarine shared that she had endured abuse from Orlando’s father during the 12 years they were together, which led to their separation.

After the separation, Ramnarine initially took the children with her, but the matter eventually went to court. She maintained that she continued to provide financial support, contributing $4000 weekly towards the children’s upkeep, which amounts to between $16,000 and $20,000 monthly, and explained that she had limited knowledge of the children’s day-to-day activities while living with their father. Ramnarine indicated that she had limited knowledge of the children’s daily lives while they were with their father and could not explain the circumstances surrounding Orlando’s death.

Ramnarine also disclosed that her surviving children are currently in the state’s custody at Sophia, and she expressed hope of eventually regaining custody of them. Meanwhile, Orlando’s mother said she first learnt that her son was missing when a friend contacted her on October 15, at about 10:30h. She expressed anger regarding the circumstances of her son’s death and insisted that justice must be served, stating that the person responsible needs to remain incarcerated.

Orlando was a student at Bath Primary School, where teachers described him as a quiet child who regularly attended school. His absence the day before he was reported missing was noted as unusual by his class teacher. Orlando also showed athletic ability at Bath Primary School’s annual athletics championship last month, winning three events, including the boys’ under-eight 80-metre and 160-metre races. Police investigations into Orlando’s death are ongoing.