[Video] Slain Lindeners’ families detail losses to commission

Family members of two of the three men who were shot dead at the start of last year’s Linden protest yesterday testified about their contributions to their families before the Commission of Inquiry (COI) looking at their deaths and compensation.

Jaclyn Bouyea, the mother of Shemroy Bouyea, and Clyde Lewis, the brother of Allan Lewis, testified before members of the COI. Margaret Somerset, the mother of the other slain man, Ron Somerset, was out of the jurisdiction and will be available to give her evidence today.

Jaclyn Bouyea, mother of Shemroy Bouyea, giving evidence at the COI yesterday
Jaclyn Bouyea, mother of Shemroy Bouyea, giving evidence at the COI yesterday

Bouyea, who is employed as a security guard, is seeking compensation for her son’s death since he was the person who assisted her in providing for his two brothers, who are mentally-challenged. She said that when Shemroy was alive, he was employed with a businessman in the market to do daily errands. She said his job entailed buying ice and other items for his employer, who sells snacks.

From his job, he earned a weekly income of $10,000, his mother said. Bouyea used to contribute half of his salary towards her until he died. Since her son’s death, Bouyea said that she has not received any assistance from anyone.

Lewis said that his brother Allan, who did masonry and carpentry, had his two children and his mother, who is a pensioner