Pandit Suresh Sugrim of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc based in New Jersey in the United States, yesterday handed over a cheque worth some US$250 to Soman and her family. The cheque will cover the payment for a house lot which the family has been allocated by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) in the Parfait-Harmonie housing area on the West Bank Demerara.
Pandit Sugrim, President of the organization, told Stabroek News yesterday that the non-profit body has been focusing its humanitarian efforts in Guyana, since the principals of the organization, including him all have their origins here. He said that on this trip to Guyana, his main intention was to get in touch with Soman and her family, as he was “deeply touched by the determination and zeal” displayed by Soman when he read the article published by this newspaper early January.
He said the organisation, which depends on donations from the Diaspora, may continue to assist the family once Soman and her common-law husband make an effort to develop their lives, and those of their three children. Sugrim said that the organization has been assisting many families in similar situations and it will continue to do so since “one cannot turn his/her back on poverty”.
He also said that plans are in the making to develop a housing area in Berbice for less fortunate families.
An emotional Soman, an orphan since the age of 10 when both of her parents passed away after periods of illness, expressed appreciation to the New Jersey- based organization and persons who contribute towards the body. She stated that she has already made plans for the family’s relocation from the Anna Catherina area, as she displayed several flower pots, which she stated, “I set for when we move from here”.
She stated that several persons came forward to assist her since the first news item highlighting her plight was carried by Stabroek News. In tears, Soman said she will continue to invest her time and energy to address the needs of her children, “especially where sending them to school” is concerned.
As the New Year broke, several families were affected by huge waves, the effects of a Spring tide which reached above normal high tide levels, pounding the sea defence structures along the Coastland. Many families have since relocated from the Anna Catherina Sea View area after the Ministry of Housing and
Water made arrangements for the residents living in the area to relocate from the government reserve.
