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Businessman makes donation to victims of demolished home
After enduring a night exposed to the elements of nature, some of the residents of Lot 22 Sendall Place who became homeless after their home was demolished last Friday were yesterday in receipt of much needed assistance from a concerned businessman. The businessman, Alfred Branche of KB Scrap Metal Investment Company at Eccles, said that he was moved by the plight of the residents and felt the need to render some form of assistance.
As such, he provided all of the residents with hot meals and other food items which he expressed the hope will go a long way in their dietary needs until they are able to ‘settle down.’
Branche said that although the situation is a sad one, he is heartened to know that he is in a position to give back in a small way to society.
“I know that it can’t be an easy thing to lose your home, especially right now when rent is so high…It could have been me in their shoes that is why I feel the need to help them,” Branche disclosed.
He noted too that his assistance yesterday is just the beginning of what he is willing to offer, adding that he intends to provide the residents with free transportation to facilitate their movement to another location.
And, according to some of the displaced persons, they had attempted to access the services of the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) following the demolition of their home.
They said that some time prior to the demolition of the house, they were advised by the Minister of Human Services, Priya Manickchand, that they could be accommodated at the GRC until they are able to find a place of their own.
However, Minister Manickchand in an invited comment yesterday said that she is very disappointed at the outcome of the entire situation.
The Minister said that even prior to the demolition of the house she had engaged the residents in discussions during which they were advised to apply for land, and to seek the services of the GRC.
Minister Manickchand said that only a few of the residents heeded the advice, thus leaving the remainder in the plight they are currently in.
She added that in her role as Minister she has offered a considerable amount of attention and assistance to those residents, adding that she even personally took up the task of ensuring that the application of those who applied for house lots were processed.
She said that of the 22 adults who resided in and around the demolished building, only three applied for house lots.
There were about 21 children among those who occupied the property, she added.
Meanwhile, some of the residents up to late yesterday were still on the lawns of Smyth Street, claiming that they have nowhere to go.
They said that they are awaiting the intervention of the minister to ensure that they find a place of abode.
It was also noted by them that they were given one week’s notice to move but admitted that they did not attempt to move since there was and still is no alternative place for them.
With all of their worldly possessions in full view, the homeless sat huddled together even as they speculated about their next move.
In the meantime, they said that they will be sleeping under the shade of plastic bags and pieces of plywood to avoid the direct impact of the elements.
Among those on the streets are an elderly man, some young men and single parent mothers with young children.
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