-no robbery, says family
The sound of a single gunshot rang out in Kitty on Sunday night outside the David Street home of the Fosters; minutes later Alicia Foster was flat on the road, flung from her car after being shot in the face. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital a short while later.
At only 26, it was the end of a young life that had known accomplishment and still held much promise. Her academic records tell the story of a young woman who excelled at school from an early age; her promotions at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reflected her commitment, while her work in the Leo Club demonstrated her compassion.
Though Alicia appeared far gone when her family rushed out and found her, many close to her believe she was conscious enough to feel them there.
According to a friend, “she must have grieved for them [family], the future she had so planned out and for life itself in those last breaths.”
Her father, James Foster described watching his eldest child lie on the road in such a manner as, “immensely painful”. It was a little before 10 pm when he responded to the persistent sounding of the buzzer and looked outside to see his daughter on the road, and his younger daughter, Marissa in an emotional state.
Reports are that the gunman and another man had been laying in wait, watching as Alicia pulled up opposite the home.
Alicia Foster’s car, which was hijacked after she was shot and pulled from it, parked in compound of the Brickdam police station yesterday. (Jules Gibson photo)
In a press release issued yesterday, police said Foster and her young sister were returning home in motorcar PHH 2236 when the incident occurred. On arriving home, the younger sister Marissa was opening the gate to the premises when a man armed with a firearm approached and demanded that the woman exit the vehicle. She refused and the man fired one round that struck her in the face.
The gunman then pulled her out of the car and drove it away. According to the police, the gunman was joined by a male accomplice who was standing on the southern side of the street and they escaped together. The police also said the car was found abandoned at Well Road, North Ruimveldt yesterday around 9 am minus the keys. The investigation is continuing.
Something special
Visibly shaken and struggling to maintain his composure, James Foster told Stabroek News that his daughter was not the victim of a carjacking or a robbery. He said nothing was taken from her except her life and he believed that something is amiss.
He had no answers at the time but said someday it would come to light. Meanwhile, he was resigned to let the police handle the matter while his family tries to recover from the loss.
He remembered Alicia as a natural achiever, recalling that she always did well at school up until she graduated from the University of Guyana with a degree in Biology.
She dreamed about pursuing a Masters Degree in the same field overseas some time in the not too distant future and later, a PHD. She also took up Portuguese recently, in hopes of mastering the language within the next year. “She would go hours into the night on projects from the Leo Club helping out people in need at any time of the day.
She was something special, and would say some of the most meaningful things to me. We are going to miss her,” the father said, choking up.
Alicia Foster
The experience of Sunday night is so wounding that Foster prefers not to speak of it and simply remember his daughter before the tragic incident. He last spoke with her on Sunday around noon when she was called to have lunch with the family. She opted out, saying she had to run out.
She went home twice on Sunday night; once to drop off someone at the residence and again when she returned with her sister; he did not see her that night until she was lying on the road.
Foster said he had long encouraged his four children including Alicia to think of life outside Guyana and to focus on relocating as they grow older. “This [death] is the reason why I tell them to think about it. My family has never had such a tragedy and look where it has hit us. We have lost Alicia,” he added.
Foster was a Senior Environmental Officer (Acting) at the EPA, assigned to the Complaints and Response Unit of the Environmental Manage-ment Division (EMD). In a statement, the management and staff of the EPA extended condolences to her family, relatives and friends.
She was the Agency’s representative on the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the National Water Council, and had successfully coordinated activities on the monitoring and closure of Omai Gold Mines Ltd.
She had also done a considerable amount of work in the forestry and mining sectors, and was instrumental in training new recruits.
The statement described to her as a highly disciplined, dedicated, committed and personable individual, who made a significant contribution to the EPA. “Ms Foster had a genuine interest in environmental issues particularly in the areas of Waste Manage-ment, Natural Resources Management, Pollution Prevention and Ecosystem and Environmental Asses-sment”, the statement said. Director (Acting) of the EMD Mr Khalid Alladin said her high level of proficiency and her care and consideration for others were reflected in her being one of the pillars for the success, unity and teamwork of the Division.
Her passing has certainly left a vacuum within the Division. Other staff echoed similar sentiments, he added.
Sincere condolences to Alicia’s family and friends, may she rest in peace. My hope is the perpetrators of this heinous and senseless crime be caught and brought to justice. Alicia as far as i know is no relative of mine, but, God forbid that should these criminals cross my path knowingly they will feel more pain than is imaginable. I know some will say “vengeance is the lord’s” but who feels it knows it. Once again condolences to her family, may Alicia Foster RIP.
If the police had any brains whatsoever they would look very closely at the cases she was working on to see who would want her killed. Maybe she was working on something that someone didn’t want exposed. Too many people have been gunned down over the recent years in similar circumstances. This is Guyana, life is so cheap. My deepest sympathy to the family and please get yourselves out of that place. Life is not easy anywhere but at least the average person living a worthwhile life like Alicia is safer and more secure. Plus, if you are attacked or killed here, you know the police will make a strong effort to find the perpetrators even if it takes twenty years or more. NOT in Guyana!
Just as I thought. Kaieteur News is carrying news of some businessman who had to go to court for violations. Come on now GPF, no cover-up or pay off to take place with this one. HANG THEM HIGH.
& I quote, “IF THE FOOLICE HAD ANY BRAINS” Sometimes they do but they are instructed not to use it unless it’s a case emanating from specific areas & involving specific individuals.
RIP Alicia.
It seems that the phantom squads are alive and well. Imagine killing someone for doing their job. This should be an easy trace, as the business which was cited for violation is the place to start. Lock up all the executives until they give up the names of their hired thugs.
are you reading a different article.you are a lost soul.
boss u better go back to guyana… when certain people get kill they police cant even make a ballistic match for starters so unfortunately begin from monica reece this will be just another unsolved murder,such a shame it is not often you get beauty and brains in one bundle my condolence to the family i grieve with them no justice in my homeland
Yes it should be an esay trace where there is honesty, transparency political will, forensic capability & resources. Unfortunately the little that does exist here is used ONLY when convenient.
My deepest and very sincere sympathy to the Foster Family.They are well known to me.A wonderful family.
I had known her as a little girl living in Princess street Lodge. Her father, James, was a good friend of mine. To take her life like that is so sad.
My wife Theresa and I, are sending our deepest synpathies to James and family.
Alan.
No Wonder all the smart and educated ones wants to leave Guyana. This child was smart.Someone will be caught for this crime. This was a planned murder
on this innocent child.
merciful God – why the shedding of innocent blood man…this girl was like ma sister…. I agree with you 100% that’s why nuff of we ain’t there and don’t think it doesn’t pain us to be outside our country…but what you going home to after gaining the education and experience? Is sheer frustration and more stress…Guyana needs JESUS – a cleansing from all this blood shed!
This is down right outrageous and a shedding of innocent blood – the girl was just doing her job. Someone will answer. Guyana in a bad shape…I agree with Owen, why would the educated or learned want to remain there? Eh? Somebody please tell me…Guyana needs healing and cleansing….oh dear Jesus have mercy on my country!
My condolences go out to the family of Alicia. I don,t know what is going through your mind right now but I feel your pain. I was moved into reaching out to you because my 26 year old daughter was shot in the head at work and killed instantly. This was 2 years ago and we still remember this tragedy as though it was yesterday. We will keep your family in our prayers and it will get better as time goes on.
well said…
Whats wrong with this society? Violence seem 2 b the order of the day! My condolences 2 the Fosters.
Only those who have lost in circumstances like the Fosters ,, can feel the pain of the Fosters ,, a perpetual pain that must be endured ,, by all parent/s until they breathe their last breath !….. being in the same room,, with the Foster family i know ur pain ,, for the room in which u have now entered is filled with many like u and i ,, my simple thoughts for ur loss of Alicia is to hold fast to fortitude ,, and to pray for the souls of those who dared to bring this tragedy to ur door ,,, like u muct pray for the soul of ALICIA !…….
HE alone knows why Alicia was chosen ,, it is not for us to question HIM !….
Mde.De Stael said it best ,,,,,,,,
“we understand death for the first time when he puts his hand upon one whom we love ” !…….
try not to worry ,, lke every thing else,, this too,, will soon pass ,, only ,, the pain will remain !,,,,,,
so michael you sayin dat god wanted her home so he sent some one to take her life, what a bunch of crock if you believe what you are sayin the child was murdered and god has nothing to do with that.
God sure know how to take a life. I guess the criminal who took her life is messenger from go or is he one of god employee. People get off of it ok. Wake up and smell the coffee.
i’m glad i’m not religious.