Shakir ‘always seemed happy’

Tributes have been paid for a popular young man who died this week.

Shakir Pimentel passed away on Monday at the age of 24.

Those who knew him from at the Opportunity Workshop described him as fun-loving and caring young man.

Keeona Belboda, administrator of the Opportunity Workshop in Devonshire, said staff as well as clients had been left shocked and saddened by Shakir’s sudden death.

She told the Bermuda Sun: “Shakir was with us for about four years.

Loved

“He had lots of friends here. Everyone loved Shakir.

“He was fun-loving and always wanted to give you a hug.

“Shakir always seemed happy; I don’t think I ever saw him sad.”

Shakir, who had a younger brother and lived in St David’s, attended the Opportunity Workshop every weekday from 8am until 2:30pm.

The Opportunity Workshop is a training centre for young adults, eighteen years of age and older, with learning and/or physical disabilities.

Ms Belboda added: “He loved his group and always helped look after the others he was with.

“He was a quiet young man and softly spoken.

“But he was affectionate and he loved doing the craft activities.

“One of his favourite things was making Christmas bows from magazines.

“Everyone here has been deeply affected by his death. It was a shock so we got everyone together on Tuesday to tell them what had happened.

“There were a few tears and it’s a very sad time for us.”