By Joel Vogt
A 53-year-old differently-abled mother of four is currently seeking the public’s assistance to help rebuild her Lot 726 Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara (WCD) two-bedroom wooden home which was destroyed by fire on October 31, 2020.
Poolmattie Bedassie, whose left leg was amputated three months ago, had been confined to a wheelchair up until fire destroyed her home and all of her personal items.
Bedassie told Village Voice Guyana that she lived at her Plantation Best home for over 29 years with her four children ages 26, 23, 21 and 18, and her one-year-old grandson before it was destroyed.
The woman explained that she sought help from several organizations, including Help and Shelter and Food for the Poor Incorporated and is hopeful that some help can be rendered as she is unable to rebuild on her own.
“Just the other day I sent a letter to them [Help and Shelter] asking for whatever help I can get to build back my house. It doesn’t have to be anything big now, but just to help me out in the meantime,” she said.
The woman said she has also made requests to several government agencies to for her destroyed documents to be replaced. She is hopeful that she will receive a swift and favourable response.
Bedassie recalled that about 15:00h on October 31, 2020 she resting at home with her grandson when she was awakened by the smell of kerosene. The woman said before she was able to come off her bed she noticed that her room was engulfed in flames.
“When I raised up I saw the big fire and I couldn’t really do anything, but slide off the bed,” the woman told Village Voice Guyana. She said she alerted the neighbours and with limited mobility, she was able to slide her way to the front door where she was rescued by a neighbour. Her grandson, had made his way out of the yard ahead of her.
Bedassie said the fire, which started at her neighbour’s house, spread quickly and destroyed her wooden home within 10 minutes. She said heavy winds were also a contributing factor.
The distraught woman alleged that the fire was set by a mentally unstable man who lives with his relatives next to her home. The man was arrested but was subsequently released by Police.
She told Village Voice Guyana that her home was furnished with beds, a refrigerator, gas stove, several household appliances, and furniture.
Since the fire, the mother of four has been staying at her father-in-law’s home in a nearby street while her children and grandson have sought lodging with other relatives.
The amputee is appealing to the public to assist her so that she and her family can get back on their feet. Her most urgent needs are a wheelchair, food, clothing and other essential supplies.
Meanwhile, Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle told Village Voice Guyana that investigations are still ongoing to determine the origin of the fire. It is believed that a lit kerosene stove may have caused the fire.
Persons desirous of assisting Bedassie and her family can make contact via mobile number 671-4901.
