JUNIOR Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes and her children on Sunday spread Christmas cheer to a Sophia family who will be spending Christmas without their main breadwinner.

Kenneth Johnson is serving a four-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving. He had anticipated that he would be able to pass the stop light at the intersection of Winter Place since the light was reportedly showing “green” with a few seconds remaining. In the process, he struck down a pedestrian who was said to be crossing the road from south to north. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
Johnson, who Minister Broomes met on a visit to her hometown, Bartica, asked that she assist his family since he was the only working parent and his wife was left with eight children who are all going to school.

Minister Broomes said she was saddened by the story and she gave him her word that she would make contact with his wife and give whatever assistance she could to them. Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, Broomes said she and her family, who formed an organisation called the ‘Broomes Foundation’, would usually around Christmas time, cheer up the less fortunate. Remembering her promise to Johnson, she incorporated the visit into their usual Christmas giving.

Johnson’s wife, Claudia Kendall, was brought to tears as she shared her story. Kendell said she has a health problem which hinders her from working regularly, and as such, she does a part-time job, but her salary is not sufficient.

The woman said her husband is a really nice person and a hard worker who would provide for all the needs of his family. The incident shook the entire family, as she said the children often cried, knowing that they would not see their father for four years. The young mother is hoping that her story would meet the eyes and ears of those in authority and they will pardon her husband.

“It’s really unfortunate what happened, but it was very tough on the children at first, to know what happened and that their father isn’t going to be home because they had a very close relationship with him… I’m just asking the government to pardon him because it is really hard on me to look after these children and my condition does not allow me to do better,” she said with tears in her eyes.

Anyone willing to assist this family can contact them on 219-5174.