A recorded farewell brought mourners to tears. Singh urged loved ones to embrace forgiveness, remain strong and move forward.
A recorded message left by slain attorney-at-law Taradath Singh was played at his funeral on Sunday, November 1, offering grieving relatives, friends, colleagues and clients a deeply personal farewell from a man who had feared that an earlier attempt on his life would eventually be repeated.
Singh, 53, was shot dead outside a gym in Charlieville, Chaguanas, on Tuesday, October 27. His death came approximately one month after he survived a shooting at his home in Cunupia on September 27. According to accounts reported by the Trinidad Guardian, Singh had spent his final weeks reconnecting with relatives, strengthening his faith and preparing a recorded statement in anticipation of his death.
In the message, played during the funeral service at his family’s home along Penn Trace, Cunupia, Singh encouraged those mourning him not to allow grief to define their lives. “Don’t live in this moment. All things will pass. All things, good or bad, joy and sorrow, will pass,” he said. He urged those listening to remain strong, continue living and working hard, and not allow the circumstances of his death to determine their future.
The message was met with visible emotion among mourners, some of whom struggled to accept the loss. One man openly wept as he approached Singh’s coffin to place a flower, expressing his heartbreak and recalling the warnings he had given the attorney about the threats against his life. The emotional scene reflected the depth of grief among those who had known and worked with Singh.
Singh’s brother, Percival, who officiated at the funeral, said his brother had accepted the possibility of his death following the September attack. He also said Singh had expressed no desire for revenge against those he believed were targeting him, instead hoping they would repent and seek God’s forgiveness. His brother encouraged mourners to embrace forgiveness and avoid speculation about the motive for the killing.
The attorney’s daughter, Rebecca Singh, delivered the eulogy, remembering her father as a dedicated professional whose commitment to his work often kept him reviewing legal documents late into the night. She recalled how he encouraged her to pursue her ambitions through persistence and hard work. She also spoke about his commitment to clients, saying he made himself available to them at times when other attorneys might not have been accessible.
Singh’s funeral was attended by police officers, including former colleagues from his time in the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, as well as members of the legal profession. Two members of the Police Service Band performed as his coffin was carried to the hearse. He was subsequently cremated at the Waterloo Cremation Site.
His final message has added a deeply personal dimension to a killing that has raised concerns within the legal community and among members of the public. Despite the earlier attack at his home and his subsequent death in Charlieville, police had made no arrests in connection with the murder as of the November 2 reports.
For those gathered to say goodbye, Singh’s recorded words offered a final reflection on grief, forgiveness and the importance of continuing with life despite loss. His appeal to stay strong, live, love and work hard now forms part of the lasting memories shared by his family, friends, colleagues and clients.