With tears in her eyes, Yucklan Sancaro accepted the Humming Bird Medal (Bronze) on behalf of her 17-year-old son David Sancaro at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port-of-Spain, last night.
It was a bittersweet moment for Sancaro, who received a standing ovation from guests, including Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and President Anthony Carmona and awardees, at the presentation ceremony of the National Awards.
The younger Sancaro lost his life in July after he was chased and struck down by an angry motorist driving a pick-up van after he intervened in a domestic violence dispute. He was honoured posthumously for his gallantry.
Carmona hugged Sancaro, telling her he felt her pains, while Rowley gave her a warm embrace.
Carmona said he knew David, who lived in Fyzabad.
“The President said it really hurt the entire country to know what happened that night,” Sancaro said afterwards.
Sancaro said while she was happy that the Government gave her son an award for his bravery, his death was difficult to accept.
“The person who did this I want justice for my child. The woman who was there that night when my son was killed, I hope she comes forward as a witness and speak the truth,” Sancaro said.
Since the murder, Sancaro said her life has turned upside down. She was unable to say if she would ever overcome her son’s death.
“Up to now I can’t get through this. When I have to go to court I am shaking like a leaf, especially when I saw this guy.”
Sancaro appealed to drivers who have a tendency to fly off the handle for the simplest things to calm down.
“This driver was so ignorant. All he could have done was get in his van and drive away. You so ignorant that night you had to kill somebody?”