Vindra: Her Legacy of Love and Goodness

By Rennie Coolman

The only gift we can give to the world is the manifestation of the Spirit in our every moment. We can be the Light that is needed in our country and our world today. Every one of us has the power to bring about change, if only we can believe and touch the Spirit within.

For Vindra Naipaul-Coolman these words were reflected in the life that she lived. She was a modern day contemplative, born in Trinidad and Tobago, who believed that she could make a difference in its development at all levels. Her much publicised kidnapping and murder in December 2006 has left an indelible mark in the landscape of our country.
This book introduces other aspects of her extraordinary life in the hope that her story will become more than just a passing memory. Ultimately, it should serve as a catalyst for change both in our inner and outer worlds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781496998712

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© 2015 Rennie Coolman. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/26/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4969-9870-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-9871-2 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Preface

The Kidnapping - Rennie Coolman

A Family and A Nation In Pain - Keith Smith

FAMILY STORY

Our Child Wonder - Leela and Naipaul Sukdeo

My sister, Vinnie - Anand Naipaul

My Wonderful Wife - Rennie Coolman

Our Mother - Rishma & Richard Ali

Memories of My Dear Niece - Ramona Chuckaree

My friend, sister and sister-in-law - Indeira Naipaul

A Genuine Love for Life - Vidya Jogie

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

A Thirst for Spirituality - Kishore Ramnarine

Quest For Higher Goals - Bro. Harrypersad Maharaj

God’s Perfect Plan - Droopatie Seeram

I’m Ready To Be An Angel - Curtis Seemungal

PRICELESS GIFT OF SELF AND SERVICE

1. FRIENDSHIP

Will Always Be My Angel - Seuling Hernanadez

A Precious Gift - Syntra Maharaj

Mothers of the Community - Parbatie Khan

A Dynamic Personality - Shaeen Ghouralal

A Great Friend - Roger

A Helping Hand - Annette Lawrence

A Down To Earth Friend - Varune Ramoutar

Memories of my Girl Friend - Pearl Gonzales

2. WORKING WITH LOVE

She Surpassed Expectations - ScotiaBank

A Selfless Individual - ScotiaBank

She Always Loved A Challenge - ScotiaBank

One Of A Kind - EllenFiguera-Pryor

A Mother And A Friend - Daniel Austin - XtraFoods

Die Empty – Live Fulfilled - Jo-Ann Legall - XtraFoods

Her Biggest Joy - Neisha Samaroo- XtraFoods

A People’s Person - Lisa Holder - XtraFoods

A Truly Inspirational Being - June Lucky

3. MOTIVATOR/MENTOR/ROLE MODEL

A Blessing In My Life - Catherine Tardieu

An Extraordinary Person - Soanmatee Singh

A Disciplined Individual - Savitri Gocool

A Role Model - Angela Gobin - SWAHA

An Example To All - Zorina Spicer - YTEPP

A Pillar Of Strength - Carolin Beharry

A Brilliant Motivational Speaker - Zalayhar Hassanali

Memorable Soul - Sharada Devi. Holland

Total Package - Vijay Ragoonan Singh

Her Inner Light - ChanMadhavi Jadoonath - Ottawa

4. HOLISTIC HEALER

Small In Stature, A Giant At Heart - Dr. Mala Maharaj

A Heavenly Energy - Vidya Dyal

A Unique Individual - Gemma Mahabir

A Benevolent Spirit - Reena Rampersadsingh

A Powerful Energy And Presence - Sandra Wright

A Reflection Of Spirit - Dr Imelda McCarthy

5. HUMANITARIAN

A True Humanitarian - Shobha Roopchan

Not Perfect But Truly Good - Diana Mahabir-Wyatt

Touching The Lives Of Many - HCU

A Beacon Of Light - Andre Abraham

A Great Loss To Humanity - Paras Ramoutar

Conversations With Vindra - Winston Dookeran

6. SPIRITUAL TEACHER

Ambassador of Peace - Lucille

A powerful spiritual bond -Mala and Ajodha Harrynanan

A Beacon of Love and Light - Fize Mohammed

Serving God by Serving Others - Ruby Pooransingh

A Being of Light - Deva Bisoondial

Remembering Vindra - Titus Ackbarali

Making a Difference - Nirja Ramlakhan

LOOKING AHEAD

The Power Of Experience - Vindra Naipaul-Coolman

Sacrifice For Change - Sri Vasudeva

Vindra – Her Legacy - Lynn Goddard

Courage To Move Forward - Seema Naipaul

Vindra’s Life Achievements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

During her lifetime, Vindra Naipaul-Coolman came into contact with a wide range of people from all walks of life. This book would not have been possible had it not been for the contributions of those who expressed their thoughts and feelings about Vindra and how she impacted on their lives.

The Publications team is grateful to all those who have made contributions through articles or otherwise to make this publication so special and successful. We are sure that the sharing of these experiences with Vindra will impact positively on the lives of the many who will read this book. They will come to know and be touched by the imperishable spirit of this person called Vindra.

We say a special thank you to members of Vindra’s family who have had to deal with her physical loss and have found the strength within, and the time, to contribute to this special publication.

Wake Up And Send Love To The Universe!

~ Vindra Naipaul-Coolman

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Vindra Naipaul-Coolman

1955-2006

PREFACE

I always say it is not six Gods running around heaven trying to know who owns up there, it is six billion little Gods down here arguing who owns heaven………I invite you to open up and do not bring God into your limited consciousness, but open your consciousness into the unlimited God.

These are the words of Vindra Naipaul-Coolman in her last recorded message at a Blue Star fellowship in Charlieville (Central Trinidad), two days before she was snatched from her home. Her traumatic kidnapping and subsequent murder in December 2006 brought the people of Trinidad and Tobago together in mourning.

No single event, situation or story can ever portray the life of a person, and even when many stories are put together, it may still leave unanswered questions. Such is the case in the life of Vindra whose demise has stirred up a quiet churning in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. She was a successful business woman who transcended boundaries of race, religion, and culture and believed that Trinidad and Tobago could be an example for the world for peaceful and harmonious living.

Vindra was indeed blessed with special qualities and her desire for true knowledge and experience guided her to the path of the Blue Star. She once said If whoever is giving me knowledge and information and I cannot use in every moment what he’s teaching me, I’ll leave him. If it cannot be applied in the practical world, then it will be of no use to me. She was expressing what is so needed in our world today - to move beyond words and ideas and to put into concerted action plans that would make visions of the future a reality. This was the quality of her thinking - that of a visionary leader with practical skills to make things happen.

Through coming into contact with Sri Vasudeva, a spark was ignited inside of her which awakened her inner power. She became more deeply immersed in her personal discipline of meditation, chanting and yoga. She was ready for the flowering of her inner consciousness, and so she continued to blossom taking the message of self-transformation in every sphere of her life.

It was her spirituality that gave her the drive and enthusiasm to ‘wake up and send love to the universe every day.’ Every interaction with every individual was an opportunity for service. Vindra was admired, respected and loved for her simplicity, humility, and compassion. She was an example of what discipline and devotion can create.

In bringing some stories by those whose lives she touched, we intend that more people will understand and appreciate who Vindra was and the legacy she has bestowed. Her sterling qualities serve to remind us of our true nature and inspire us to be as fearless as she was in seeking the true purpose of life in the world. She used that power within to share selflessly so that this world can be a better place for all of us.

Many have been inspired and more will be as Blue Star remembers with gratitude her unforgettable life. As you read, we invite you to connect with the essence of her being and ponder on what this means in your unique journey of knowing yourself. Our hope is that her life’s message will resonate within and motivate you to make the right choices for peace, balance and harmony in your own life and in the world.

The Editors Blue Star Publications November 2007

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Vindra during inauguration of new

Board of Directors for Blue Star

THE KIDNAPPING

Rennie Coolman

It is Sunday morning. I have just finished eating our favourite Sunday morning breakfast and reading the local newspapers. I am sitting in the back porch of what would have been our love nest and new home for just the two of us - no children, no grand children, no one else. We would now have our privacy and quiet time for ourselves in our twilight years. All children were taken care of and had their career paths addressed. We had jointly planned for this for the past two years. We both cared a lot for our children and always looked after them with their best interest in our hearts.

We would normally spend our Sunday mornings with doubles for breakfast followed by reading the local newspapers. The only difference today is that I am alone as I write this. There is no Vindra to share these moments with me.

It is exactly eleven months since I last saw my dear wife alive. On Tuesday December 19th 2007, she was taken from me forever. Three men wearing ski masks and carrying machine guns took her from our driveway and she has never been seen again.

I recall on that fateful Tuesday morning that I had to be at work earlier than normal. By the time I was ready to leave home, Vindra was still in the shower. I was able to tell her that I was leaving for work but did not give her my traditional hug and kiss. We normally left home together for work. On that day, this did not happen. I did not know what appeared to be an indescribable sweetness and love that I felt for her as I was driving to work, would have been a sign that I would not see nor hear from her again. We did not speak during the day. Again this was unusual as we would call each other just to say hello or talk for a few minutes. Even if she was in a meeting, she would take my call. She never let my call go unanswered, even if it was a short I’m in a meeting, I’ll call you back. We had an emotional and spiritual bond that cannot be easily explained. Another unusual situation as I found out later, is that Vindra did not wear her wedding band or any other valuable jewelry on that day. Were all these unusual situations a signal of what was to happen that fateful evening? I can only speculate in hindsight.

I remember getting home from work at about 6:30 pm on that historic day. I asked our housekeeper if Vindra had called home and she said no. At about 7pm, Vindra called and talked to her daughter and the housekeeper and said she would be home shortly. We would normally have dinner together between 7 and 7:30pm when she got home. At about 8:10pm I started my dinner since she was unusually late.

At 8:15pm we heard Vindra arrive, open the remote gate and get into the driveway. The housekeeper got up from the living room sofa to open the burglar proofed gate to meet and greet Vindra. As she was about to unlock the gate, she saw a car against the rear of the vehicle which Vindra drove and a masked man moving along the passenger side. She screamed and came towards me saying no, no, don’t go as she moved away from the gate. I dropped my food and quickly moved to the gate to see a masked man on the passenger side of Vindra’s vehicle. He turned towards me and I immediately realised what was happening. I grabbed the housekeeper and moved away from the front door.

Three gun shots were then heard in rapid succession. I heard Vindra scream and begin to shout. At this time, her daughter who was upstairs with her children came screaming and running down the stairs. I told her to take the children back upstairs and to remain with them. Within a matter of minutes, which felt like an eternity, three more gunshots were fired and the car drove away with Vindra. A total silence was felt at this time.

I called the police and reported the matter. They responded and came within a few minutes.