Synopsis of 'Waiting for Akiel'

A 60minute provocative drama based on the true story about the inconclusive murder of an 11year old called Akiel Chambers. Akiel, a middle class boy attends the birthday/ pool party of a wealthy classmate. Upon his Aunt’s arrival to collect him from the party, Akiel is nowhere to be found. After hours of searching the premises and surrounding area, Akiel’s dead body is found in the pool, the next morning. A pool he was forbidden to go in because he couldn’t swim, a pool he was never seen in for the six hours of the party. The initial autopsy concluded, ‘Death by Drowning’. The 2nd autopsy found semen in the child’s anal tract and evidence suggested murder. ‘Death by Drowning?’

This plot unfolds as the case is taken to court and the various testimonies of parents and the children who attended this upper class birthday party bare inconsistencies and indicate lies and deception. In the court room, husbands betray wives, children are prompted before testimonies and secrets are publicized as the true horror of Akiel’s sexually abused life is uncovered. It is in this court room that the incompetence and corruption of Trinidad’s judiciary system is shown making the entire case that of injustice.