Today friends and loved ones of artiste, Nelly Stharre, celebrate her ‘earth strong’ and her family is having a hard time coping with her loss some six months after she disappeared.
“It’s hard, it’s really hard,” an emotional Anna Raffoul, the artiste’s sister told Dominica News Online on Friday.
Last August the artiste, whose real name is Nelly Raffoul, disappeared and charred remains were found in a burnt-out house which belonged to her. The police have said it is ‘mere speculation’ that the remains belong to Nelly since the matter is being investigated.
The unfortunate incident was not the only one the Raffoul family had to deal with. In April 2015, renowned Carnival costume builder, Michel Raffoul passed away and on January 30, 2016, Emile Antoine Raffoul lost his life in a vehicular accident.
Raffoul told DNO that she was very close to all three.
“It is really hard because I am close to them,” she stated. “We have to go out there and put a smile on our faces because we have to be strong. My uncle Michelle was April 7th, six months later was my sister, five months later my brother – it’s hard. To be honest, we are trying, the children are wonderful and I think that they are stronger than we are.”
Raffoul spoke of the last time she saw her sister before news broke of the discovery of the burnt out house, which was located in the heights of Mahaut.
“On Friday 14th 2015 at 4:31 pm, that’s the last time I saw my sister,” she stated. “She had one or two things to do and she was heading up the mountain.”
She went on to say that information from fire officials indicated that the fire took place that evening.
“They could not make an ID, there was no body, just ashes and fragments of bones,” she remarked.
Raffoul said when the incident occurred, Nelly was in the process of releasing an Extended Play (EP) album.
She explained that plans are now in place to have that album released in May 2016.
“Nelly was in the process of releasing her Extended Play (EP) album,” she stated. “It’s like a collectables item, ‘Sister Cool.’ There is some documentary she did on it, there are some music videos. Because everything was burnt we had to get in touch with the producers of that album to make sure that it’s ok for us to get it through prints and everything. That took a very long time because we could not get anything from the Police saying that, that was Nelly Stharre but finally the producers gave us permission to go ahead, and hopefully God’s willing in May 2016 we will have the release of ‘Sister Cool’.”
Click here to view a short documentary on Nelly.
I visualize how difficult this is for her family and friends/associates who knew her.
Was the police not aware of her house in the heights of Mahaut?
When she was reported missing, did they not go to the house to see if she was there?
Although her privacy was important, could the police not visit the house a few times or stake it out when she was reported missing?
Would some people who reside in Mahaut have known her?
The police should know, that their investigation should consist of telephone calls, land line and cellular. This could be done with the phone provider(s) who will be able to give an account of her calls, when last she made a call and the conversation which ensued between others.
If she had a TV, the TV provider, to know when last she turned on the TV.
These providers can provide relevant information. If a perpetrator is involved, he/she could be caught.
Police, you need to do your homework and advise the family and the public accordingly.
It is Hard when you loose people thats close to your heart when it happens u feel like there is a hole in your heart that cant heal, be Strong ask God for his grace only GOD can heal your grief..
I can fell (feel) your pain I went through it myself, the almighty is with you all. May the souls REST IN PEACE. Keep holding on God is in control.
sorry typo error feel
Though we cannot see you, have not heard from you and it appears that you have left us, I do not feel you are gone. It is strange but I feel you are here, still. You keep saying…I am alright sistren…I am alright. When I feel your presence I often smile. You were always such a clown…such a genuine person. Yet sometimes I feel real sad and tears come to my eyes…What happened to you, sistren? May the creator grant you the joy and peace you always preached and yearned for when you walked with us. I will never forget you, Nelly.
The Police…CID…have to do their work…assign special persons for that case and let them concentrate on this tragedy…the family and all need answers…everybody studying Linton…hmm mm. …do all u work
It is not the matter of not doing their work, They do not have the necessary equipment to perform these duties. I am pretty sure that if the equipment was available they would be very happy to get results. Police can not perform miracles. Some of them are not even able to solve issues for People in their circle, so please be mindful of what you say. Ask the Government to provide the necessary equipment for the officers instead of studying Linton.
But the country niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I empathize with the family.
Incompetent police force…Too many political stooges.Why after SIX MONTHS,the remains cannot be identified that of,or not of Nelly….Ask and/demand the things that will make the force look like a police force.SO Many people have died and/or disappeared on island,and you hear nothing from the police.Why not make drastic changes to this failed institution.Too many of them are political misfits!!!!
Ask the Chief what is his purpose. Is it to promote recruits, to receive a salary of as a portrait.
This was such a tragedy, what a talented wonderful woman Nelly Stharre was we look forward to the release of ‘”Sister Cool”. What a terrible way to die! Then the loss of Michelle and now Emile. Totally heartbreaking for the family. How a family can endure such loss in a year is totally unthinkable. My condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all the Raffoul family. May all three Nelly, Michel and Emile be together now in Heaven. RIP.
Blessed earth day anniversary Nels. I sincerely love you and miss you. You will never be forgotten. Peace and sweet rest to you my dear friend. Love you always
Blessed earth day anniversary Nels. I sincerely love you and miss you. You will never be forgotten. Peace and sweet rest to you
Oh my! What happened to her? This is sad and heartrending. Some jealous person may have done this? This is all I could say on this matter.
Nothing is hidden from God. He knows what happened to her. If someone did this to her, God will avenge that person in His time. You will not escape. May the family console themselves with these words.
May her soul rest in peace. Amen!
To the Raffoul family, one of whom I know who resides in Ontario, my heartfelt sympathy to you.
May God bless and sustain you in your grief. Take heart!
I grew up knowing this family and I cannot imagine the emotional turmoil and upheaval they must be feeling as they come to grips with so much loss, in such a compact time frame.
Such talented and vibrant people, these three were, and I am grateful to have had the privileged of going to school with two of them and basking in their luminous light. May they rest in perfect peace and may the hearts of the family be comforted.
You can not tell me that after six months the police can not ascertain that he remains found were those of Nelly or not. I know there was a fire but how about bone fragments,or even dental records? Did the police in fact lose the evidence? It would help if a) they categorically state that the remains were forensically examined and b|) they would release a copy of the examiners’ report.
You know how awful it is not to have real closure?
One can only imagine what the family is going through.
cant imagine how hard this is..Hold strong is all I can say. God is in control.