Berbice accident victim was ‘heart and soul’ of school’s basketball team

Justin Totaram, the 12-year-old boy who was crushed to death in an accident on Wednesday, was a budding basketball player, who was preparing to participate in the upcoming junior basketball tournament.

He was also deeply committed to his academics and “significantly” impacted the lives of his schoolmates, according to the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.

“He was the heart and soul of our under-16 basketball team and was working very hard to improve his basketball skills before his passing.

“He was eagerly looking forward to representing his school in the upcoming junior basketball tournament,” the New Amsterdam Multilateral School reflected in a comment posted on its Facebook page.

Totaram was a Grade Eight student of the school.

In expressing shock at his death, the school described Totaram as a “pleasant” and “courteous” student, who was adored by his friends and teachers.

“Justin was a brilliant student who was deeply committed to his academic journey. Justin was a kind, caring, courteous, and pleasant student. His impact on our lives, though brief, was significant.

“His death has left us all in a state of shock, and it will undoubtedly take some time to come to terms with,” the school administration expressed.

Totaram, a resident of Reliance Settlement, East Canje, Berbice lost his life after he was crushed to death by a motor lorry, GMM 5087 at around 16:00 hrs on the Reliance Access Road.

Reports are that the motor lorry was proceeding south on the eastern drive lane while the child was walking in the same direction.

The driver, a 64-year-old resident of Canefield, East Canje Berbice, told police that he was making a left turn when he heard someone shout “hold boy hold!” causing him to stop.

He said when he exited the lorry, he observed a male lying under the vehicle near the back wheel.

Totaram was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead.