PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten is mourning the loss of a man who dedicated a large part of his life to making the island a better place through his contributions to charitable causes.

 

Popular entrepreneur and Rotary president Ramesh Manek was the victim of a fatal hit-and-run accident on Thursday. The police have appealed via a press release for assistance in finding the driver responsible for Manek’s death.

 

Manek was jogging on Airport Boulevard near Thrifty Car Rental on Thursday around 7:00am when he was struck by a black Hummer that drove off at speed after hitting him. Bystanders came to his assistance and paramedics attended, but nothing could be done to save him. He leaves behind a wife and three children.

 

Eyewitnesses reported the incident to the police. A vehicle initially believed to have been involved in the accident was traced back to an address in Cay Bay and a man was arrested, but released later as there was no evidence as to his involvement.

 

Police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said in a police press release that police patrols had been sent to the location to investigate the accident.

 

“The driver of the jeep did not stop and continued driving after hitting the pedestrian with the jeep and leaving him in a helpless situation on the side of the road. On the scene the patrol encountered the lifeless body of a male victim who was not showing any signs of life,” he said.

 

The press release said paramedics had arrived on the scene shortly afterward, but could not save the victim’s life.

 

“Airport Boulevard was immediately closed off in both directions for the Traffic Department and Forensic Department to collect evidence and carry out an investigation. Doctor Mercuur arrived on the scene and pronounced the death of the victim,” Henson said.

 

A friend of the Manek family said: “Ramesh loved his family and was always there for them, his friends and anyone else who needed him. He was a very popular man within the Indian community and on the island. Just two weeks ago he attended the wedding of his daughter. He was very proud of his family. It is terrible that this should happen, especially to a man as good as he.”

 

Manek was known to be a devoted family man. He was described by fellow Rotarians as the “definition of a Rotarian,” who lived his life upholding the motto of “Service above Self.”

 

He was due to replace outgoing Assistant Governor Rebecca Low this coming July and was excited and proud to assume his responsibility as District Representative for Anguilla, St. Barths, St. Maarten and St. Martin, an honour bestowed on only the most active and outstanding Rotarians, but one that Manek, president of Rotary Club of St. Maarten Mid-Isle since 2011-2012, had the experience, knowledge and drive to fulfil.

 

Fellow Rotarian and current Assistant District Governor Rebecca Low said: “Over the last couple of years Ramesh has been champion of ‘The World’s Greatest Meal to End Polio’ across Rotary District 7020, which includes 10 countries and 16 islands. He encouraged all 84 clubs in the district to hold events large and small with the aim of raising funds to provide polio vaccinations for children around the world.

 

“This year’s Rotary International theme has been “Light Up Rotary” and Ramesh was an example of this. His smile would light up any room he walked into. A tireless volunteer, he has contributed his time, talents and treasure to all projects involving our island youth and seniors.” Low expressed the feelings of many as she added: “He shall be missed.”

 

A number of people also criticised the government for not making St. Maarten safer for cyclists and pedestrians. “In the last few months, two pedestrians were killed and a number of cyclists were seriously injured. When is the government going to create pavements and cycling lanes to keep people safe? How many more deaths does it take?” posted one woman on Facebook.

 

Owner of Manek’s Imports, Manek owned a general supply store in Marigot and had his own T-shirt line, for which he used his skills as graphic designer. A customer and a long-term friend worded his sentiments in a way echoed by many: “The news of the passing of Ramesh Manek certainly comes as a shock. I have been fortunate to have known him for many years and to have done business with him.

 

“There was never any doubt when doing business. He bargained or negotiated like the gentleman he was, and I would actually feel guilty when purchasing photographic supplies from anybody else.

 

“Ramesh honoured his word and there were never any surprises. Our chats involved our children and their academic progress. …He was devoted to seeing to it that they had every opportunity to prosper.

 

“He avoided gossip and harsh words, respecting his competition at all times, so unusual in today's society. This is how you acquire and command respect: by living your life positively and treating all the way you would expect to be treated. I’m certain you who have known him wish there were more like Ramesh. RIP.”

 

In a second press release that focused on the appeal for assistance, police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson stated: “In connection with the ongoing investigation regarding the hit-and-run traffic accident, the police Traffic Department is requesting the assistance of the public to gather more information.”

 

Henson explained that the initial suspect,  had been released because investigation had not indicated any involvement of the suspect or his vehicle, although further checks will be made on the vehicle.

 

“The police have seen and studied footage from the surveillance cameras from businesses and homes in the area and noticed that there were other drivers driving at the location at the time of the accident,” Henson stated.

 

“The police are asking those witnesses who may have witnessed anything that could be of importance to the investigation to come forward and give this information.

 

The Daily Herald