By Nafeeza Yahya

A FAMILY of five is appealing to the public for help to return to some state of normalcy after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their Lot 75 Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder home on Sunday last.Roopchand Hemraj, 30, and Devi Hemraj, 23, lived in the house that they worked hard to build and made comfortable for themselves and three children ages three months, one and nine years.

Their years of hard work were reduced to ashes in less than 30 minutes last Saturday.
At the time of the fire, no one was at home and neighbours tried to put out the blaze by forming a bucket brigade, but to no avail.
According to Devi’s mother Kamlawatie Budhu called “Nadira”, her daughter was visiting her at Friendship Village on Sunday last when they received a phone call stating their home was on fire.
Nadira said she and her daughter got into a car and rushed to the scene and when they arrived, they found their home destroyed. Nothing was saved and Devi broke down in tears on seeing what had happened to her home.
“We wuk hard and build lil lil now all gone… me had everything, stove, TV, freezer — nothing nah save,” Hemraj sobbed as she spoke with reporters.
Roopchand, a labourer, said he was at work when he was told about the fire.
“When me hear me nah believe, but me jump on meh motorbike and ride when me reach was only smoke me a see, them neighbours done out a fire. Me start fuh cry cause me nah able save anything.”
The estimated loss in property is said to be around $900,000.
The family has since been staying with the parents of Roopchand and neighbours have been helping out by providing pieces of clothing and some financial assistance to ensure their nine-year-old son goes to school.
“We nah get nothing left, only the clothes we had on was saved, so anything wah people give we gun tek, even if it old and all. Me thankful fuh wah help me neighbours them give we so far and me guh work, but it nah easy right now so please help we,” pleaded Roopchand.
Persons desirous of assisting can make contact the family on 687-0498, or 653-6523.