– after tree fell and destroyed her appliances

A YOUNG mother of four, was, on Tuesday, encouraged to stay strong and continue working hard for her family, after a tree fell and damaged her home and appliances.
Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes, visited the housing compound popularly known as ‘Big Yard’, in Guyhoc, where the incident occurred, to cheer up the distressed family.

The young mother, Lukesha Hackett told Guyana Chronicle that she was doing some Christmas cleaning last Thursday and had placed her appliances outside the house when a big tree fell and damaged her items.

Hackett said her only source of income to provide for her and children were the sales from her icicle and drinks business. With her refrigerator damaged, she was unable to make any money.

During a visit to the area on Sunday, Broomes learnt of the incident. At that time she was visiting to hand out tickets to the children to attend a football game. After learning of the incident, Broomes said she promised the woman that she would return and pay her a visit.
On Tuesday, she did and presented a brand new refrigerator to the distressed mother. The kind gesture brought the mother to tears.

Hackett said she was grateful to the minister, who would always visit the area and assist residents in whatever way she could.

The children in the community, as reported, were also very fond of Broomes since she would spend quality time with them.

“Minister has done so much I can’t stop thanking her. Nobody comes to check on us but Minister Broomes. Nobody else comes to bring anything for us or assist our youths, but minister Broomes always would come and make sure we alright. And for that, I must thank her. Now I can go on and start back my business and keep pushing to take care of my family,” Hackett said.

Speaking to a reporter, the minister said she was happy to bring joy and hope to people, especially during this time.

She said even though the situation was unfortunate, she had to ensure that the women in the area understood that they must not depend on handouts. As such, she encouraged Hackett and a few other women in the area to continue to strive for better.
“I believe rather than giving her a fish, give her bait and a rod so she will catch her fish and grow… All you need is support, not sympathy. I want you all to grow from strength to strength and keep uniting each other until better things happen,” Broomes said.