Many helped return my brother

My brother Suresh Sooklal embarked on a ten day holiday to Phuket, Thailand. Our world was turned upside down when we received the tragic news that my dear brother had passed away shortly after checking into his hotel on June 6.
There are numerous people that I, on behalf of the family, would like to sincerely thank. Firstly, to family members, friends and members of the community who rallied around us, I say thank you and God bless.
The repatriation process was a logistical nightmare and here we had total strangers who stepped up to the plate and through their tremendous efforts,we had Suresh back home exactly two weeks after he had left. I would like to place on record our sincere gratitude to the staff of Flight Centre, Ballito, Jocelyn and Allison of AIG Insurance (UK), Elize Wessels and staff of the SA Embassy in Thailand, Johnny Demetroudes of International Relations in Pretoria, Rowland Brothers International (UK based company who carried out the actual repatriation), Joy (Ocean Resort Hotel, Phuket), the Thai government and the Royal Thai Police, the doctors,nurses and assistants of the hotel clinic and the Patong Hospital and Rajesh Ramkaran, director of Tongaat Funeral services who was absolutely incredible with his professionalism and care.
Special mention must be made of a remarkable lady, Sandra Raw, manageress of Flight Centre, Ballito. From the outset, Sandra displayed sincere care, warmth, compassion and professionalism. I can truly say that Sandra practises the spirit of Ubuntu. Her dedication in assisting us is reflected by her working beyond office hours, weekends and during her training stint in Johannesburg. Sandra went the extra mile, beyond the call of duty!
VISHNU SOOKLAL
Seatides
Letter shortened – Editor