La Penitence fire victims get help

Victims of the fire that Sunday last gutted two apartments at East La Penitence received assistance from the Government Wednesday.

Thirty-three-year-old Tonya George met with the Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally at her Lamaha Street, Georgetown office.

There, the woman received assistance to rebuild her life after a fire of unknown origin destroyed her home along with another apartment attached to hers.

George is a mother of four children and one grandchild, all of whom now live at a shelter. Only recently the woman lost her husband and became the sole breadwinner.

Minister Ally said it is the duty of her ministry to ensure the well-being of citizens.

“Sometimes when these struggles come they don’t walk alone and I’m indeed sorry. As you know this ministry when we have fire et cetera, we try to assist in some small way.

“I’m happy that at least from another ministry, the Ministry of Housing [Department] that you were at least able to interface with them to get a house lot to assist you,” Minister Ally said.

The Minister assured George that the Ministry will continue to help in whatever ways it can.

George is currently living at the United Bridge Builders Mission, along with her children. Persons interested in assisting George can contact her on telephone number 644-4124.

Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Bonita Montaque said the organization has opened its doors to George and will continue to support her until she is back on her feet.

According to Montaque, the Guyana Fire Service has not yet ascertained the cause of the fire and an investigation is ongoing.

Another victim, Cedric Clarke, who was the neighbour of George, also received assistance from the Ministry of Social Protection.