Ever so often news stories reach out at you that suck you in the solar plexus to have you reeling speechless and in awe. One such was the murder of Trinidadian Nicole Dial, and her two colleagues in war torn Afghanistan while serving with the IRC as an NGO relief worker. In this era of meism and self aggrandizement, it is certainly wonderful to know that we have citizens that see absolutely no wrong in providing service to others even in obscure, dangerous, and unglamorous parts of the world. Tributes are coming far and wide from others who had the privilege of interacting and seeing this proud flag bearing citizen function up close.

According to one of her previous bosses, she enjoyed her work, loved and respected people with whom she met, and was happy to help others. These aren’t qualities you just pick up in big metropolitan countries, or simply acquire in some fancy expensive University. No, you bring that with you because of the sound values that were instilled by family and nurtured in this beautiful mosaic called ‘Rainbow country.’ Her death hopefully would not be in vain, if only it can in some small way aid in ensuring that any of the following takes place: Tightening of security for workers in similar situations, focus some attention on North / South trickle down NGO’s activities, rekindle interest on the plight of suffering Afghans, and finally encourage others to serve prudently both at home and abroad.