Valdeen Shears-Neptune
Following the recent visit by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, one Trinidadian family is hopeful that bilateral ties will assist in expediting the release of the body of their loved one.
The relatives of Malone Aron, 28, remain hopeful that a DNA match will be finalized so that they can get his body from neighbouring Venezuela, where he washed ashore in early March.
“We were told that samples were taken from his body and DNA tests will be conducted to see if it’s a match. We are in the process of sending his blood there and praying that this is the end stage because next week will make it over three months since he was said to have drowned,” said his sister Kimberley Aron during a telephone interview with the T&T Guardian yesterday.
His body had to be exhumed after he was buried without an autopsy in Venezuela.
The Central family wants to have an official autopsy done here.
Jodah Aron, the dead man’s father, said the family cannot help questioning the circumstances surrounding his alleged drowning on Los Iros beach.
According to the senior Aron, his son’s aversion to bathing in beaches and rivers was well known by all who knew him.
“Everyone know he liked his hair more than the water. He didn’t like getting it wet in the sea and river. He would wash it but not in the sea. Ask anyone, we go by any beach or river and when everyone going in, not he,” his grieving father said.
Aron’s second son, Michael, has paid several visits to Venezuela since then, which has cost the family upwards of $20,000.
He is expected to make a final trip to have a boat bring his brother home. The family intends to cremate him soon after.