THE holiday season is here, and one mother clings to hope amid heartache, searching for her missing daughter.
Kamala Baldeo, a devoted mother and caterer, has lived in the close-knit community of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, for over 60 years, where she raised her family and celebrated countless Christmases filled with joy and togetherness.
This year, however, the festive spirit has been overshadowed by the desperate search for her second daughter, Subrina Baldeo, who vanished without a trace on October 15.
“I just don’t understand how people can just vanish,” Kamala reflects, her voice filled with pain. Known for her calm and friendly demeanour, Kamala describes her family as peaceful and welcoming. Yet, as the holiday draws near, her home is devoid of the usual decorations and cheer. Instead, it has become a base for an agonising search for Subrina.

Kamala recalls the challenges her family faced, especially after the death of her husband ten years ago. “I’m a mother of three. I have lived in Goed Fortuin all my life,” she shared. After her husband’s passing, she worked tirelessly to provide for her daughters, Darshanie, Subrina, and Reshma, while leaning on her parents for support. “It was rough raising the children after my husband passed,” she says. “At the time, I wasn’t getting any pension, but my parents were alive, and they helped out a lot.”
Kamala’s hard work eventually paid off, as all three daughters completed their education and began families of their own. “Darshanie is married with two kids, and lives in Berbice. Reshma, the youngest, is also married and has two children,” Kamala explains. However, Subrina, at 45, remains single and focused on her dream of starting a small business.

Described as quiet and hardworking, Subrina was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially to her nieces and nephews. Kamala recalls, “She was always the quiet one; very easygoing. She went to church and was always helping out.” With aspirations of owning her own business, Subrina had invested in tables and chairs to rent for parties, embodying her dedication to hard work and independence.
But everything changed that fateful Tuesday morning when Subrina left for work as usual. “She came upstairs, gave Reshma some cash to keep, and then she left. We didn’t have any quarrels; she just left for work like normal,” Kamala recounts. The family learned that Subrina was last seen at the Vreed-en-Hoop junction, where she took a hire car before disappearing without a trace.

The search for Subrina began immediately, but Kamala’s frustration grew as she felt the police’s response was inadequate. “We went to the police station to make a report, but nothing happened. They didn’t ask any questions; didn’t seem concerned. It was frustrating,” she recalls. After several visits to the police and no leads, the family’s hope dwindled, yet they continued to push for answers.
As Christmas is already upon us, the urgency to find Subrina intensifies. “Christmas was always her favourite holiday,” Kamala shares, her voice trembling with emotion. “She always liked to clean up for Christmas, and cook food. I miss her so much.” The family’s traditional holiday celebrations are now tinged with sorrow, as they yearn for Subrina’s return.

In the weeks following Subrina’s disappearance, Kamala has clung to hope, praying for her daughter’s safety. “I hope and pray she’s alive. Nobody deserves to be hurt like that,” she says. Despite the emotional toll, Kamala is determined to find her daughter, reaching out to the community for assistance. “I know someone must know something. I’m appealing to the public; if anyone has any information, please call the numbers. Please help me bring Subrina home; there’s a reward for any information that can help us find her.”
Kamala reflects on her daughter, highlighting Subrina’s kind and gentle nature. “She loved her family, especially her nieces and nephews. I don’t understand how someone could just vanish like that,” she says, her pain palpable.
Three months have passed since Subrina’s disappearance, and Kamala feels the weight of the situation more than ever. “I haven’t been able to sleep. I can’t eat; I’ve lost weight. The stress is overwhelming,” she confides. Friends and family, including those overseas, have reached out, but there remains no news. “I’m just hoping for the best; that one day, Subrina will come home.”

Once a time of joy, Christmas now feels hollow without Subrina. “I keep thinking about the memories; how she would always want to make things right for Christmas. She always worked so hard,” Kamala shares. Her appeal for information continues, as she urges anyone who knows something to come forward. “If anyone knows anything, please don’t stay silent; I just want to see my daughter again.”
Despite the uncertainty and heartache, Kamala remains resolute in her search. “I’ll keep searching. I’ll keep praying; I just want my daughter back,” she states firmly. Her message to the public is clear: “If anyone knows anything, please come forward. My daughter deserves to be found, and come home.”
For anyone with information regarding Subrina Baldeo’s whereabouts, please contact the following numbers: 676-2624, 627-9673, or call the La Grange Police Station.