ELEVEN years ago, she created history by being the first mother to deliver triplets at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Last Wednesday, her remains were interred at the Reliance Cemetery in East Canje. Hameeda Bacchus, 43, lost the battle to a range of illnesses, and has left three young daughters behind.

Bacchus died at her Betsy Ground Village home last Sunday, hours after telling the triplets, Ashmini, Ashwini and Ashwani, who are fondly referred to as Jennifer, Joanna and Jessica, to stay with their neighbour, Asha.

Asha, (the only name given) of Lot 1162 New Area, Canefield Settlement, East Canje had been contributing to the girls’ welfare since their birth on March 14, 2008.

But with their mother’s sudden demise, it is not clear whether the middle-aged woman can sufficiently provide for the girls, who are awaiting their National Grade Six Assessments (NGSA) results.

A paternal aunt, Sally, who is caring for the girls’ wheel chair-bound older sister and two brothers, suggested that the girls stay with Asha, since, with the help of the relevant government agencies, the pre-teens can be afforded a better life.

Asha expressed concern over their constant complaints of pain in their legs, which their older sister had experienced.

Three years ago, their older sister Farzanna, then a student of Canje Secondary School, went to school one day, but hours later was forced to return home because of unbearable pains in her legs.

A subsequent surgical intervention allegedly worsened the situation, and as a result, the 15-year-old is now confined to a wheelchair.

Since their birth, several individuals and non-governmental organisations have come forward to assist their mother, but over the years, this support has dwindled, except that of the owner of the Church View Hotel.

Now the girls have grown, their demands have increased, more so, they are preparing to enter secondary school.
Joanna likes Integrated Science, Grammar and Social studies, and fancies becoming a teacher one day, while Jessica, who is only interested in grammar, and loves to play hide and seek, wants to be a banker. Jennifer loves mathematics, and would like to become an entrepreneur when she grows up.