Gov’t to assist foster parent who lost home in fire

A woman of No. 78 Village, Corriverton, Region Six who lost her home in a fire on September 17, 2016, happens to be the foster mother of seven children.

In this regard, the Ministry of Social Protection has taken the initiative to assist Mrs. Gloria Downer and her family.

The Ministry has also promised to work with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to see how best her housing need could be accommodated.

A fire of unknown origin completely destroyed Downer’s two storied wooden and concrete home at 114 Alexander Street, Rampur Village, Upper Corentyne, Berbice on September 17.

Mrs. Downer said that she is unaware of the origin of the fire, as she was not at home at the time it started and only noticed her house engulfed in black smoke on her way home from the market.

At present, she and her foster children are staying at a neighbour’s house since she lost everything in the fire.

Neighours have also been assisting the family with food and clothing, however, the woman is pleading for support to procure supplies for the children to return to school and to provide a home for them.

During a visit to the location one day after the fire, the woman told News Room that she has been living there for the past 40 years.

She further shared her cell phone number; 6023160 in an effort to ensure that persons desirous of providing any assistance, can contact her.