FOLLOWING a fire which destroyed her School-based Assessment assignments (SBAs), among other family possessions, Berbice High School student Sarah Shivpersaud was elated at being the recipient of a cash donation from the Ministry of the Presidency.The President’s Public Information and Press Services Officer Ms Lloyda Garrett, travelled to the Ancient County on behalf of the Head of State President David Granger to make the presentation at the Lot 56 West Canefield Settlement, East Canje site, where the two-bedroomed cottage was once located.
Garrett told the distressed family that President Granger after reading the article in the Guyana Chronicle had expressed concern as the teen was preparing to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CSEC) next year.
“The President has noted that education is the key to a good life. I know it can be very difficult at this moment as you prepare to write your exams. The President has sent today an initial donation from the government of $50,000…”
Meanwhile the fifth former, along with her mother Lalita Bedessie, has expressed gratitude for the kind gesture, and has issued a call for the private sector to assist in having her home rebuilt.
“If persons can give some wood, I would get persons to help me build. I do not want bed and household articles at this point. I just need assistance in rebuilding so I can have somewhere to rest my head,” she pleaded.
Meanwhile Sarah, who plans to pursue a career in law, said her teachers are very supportive and so she would be returning to school next Monday.
On Sunday Sarah and her mother were spending the weekend away from their home when they received news that their one-flat, two-bedroomed wooden house was on fire. By the time they arrived on the scene at approximately 18:30 hrs, the structure was flattened, and smoke was emanating from the debris. Two fire tenders from Rose Hall Estate and New Amsterdam were already exiting the area, having brought the blaze under control while preventing it from spreading to nearby houses.
However, she is unclear as to what may have caused the blaze, since she did not cook meals on Friday and would not have had to light the kerosene stove. Neither was there electricity and as a result the teen was forced to study with a fuel lamp. However, subsequent to the fire, Bedessie said fire ranks had discovered clothing with a flammable substance.
Meanwhile, the mother was unable to estimate her losses but revealed that there were four beds, wardrobes, a chair set, wares, kerosene stoves and several textbooks. The family is currently staying with friends and they can be contacted on telephone number 639 – 5002.