Members of the Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara family that lost their house, shop and youngest in a fire on Thursday are asking for the public’s help to rebuild their lives.
The fire of unknown origin started around 2 pm in a bedroom of the Rampersaud family’s Agriculture Road, Mon Repos home where Mahin Rampersaud, who was one-year and eight-months-old, had been put to take a nap. Four persons were home at the time, including Savita Rampersaud, her in-laws, and her grandson, Mahin.
Despite efforts, the family was unable to save the toddler, who perished in the fire. The fire destroyed the two-storey building, which also housed their shop.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, Gobin Rampersaud, who owns the house, explained that he was not able to sleep on Thursday night since he was busy cleaning and stressing about his next move. While they were able to get lodging and shelter from their neighbours, Gobin said that he is appealing to the public for assistance in helping the family get back on their feet.
“We could use any help right now because we lose everything in the fire. Everything, from the upstairs, everything gone. Everything from the shop gone and is just the shell left,” Gobin, a carpenter, said. He added that while any help is welcomed, the family are prioritising rebuilding “a roof over our head.”
Since the fire destroyed most of the materials from the house, the family is unable to reuse anything to build a makeshift roof for shelter.
Mahin’s mother, Mala, was present at the site yesterday but was unable to say anything. Relatives explained that she is still devastated.
More relatives and neighbours gathered yesterday and continued assisting the family with their clean up and came together and cooked.
A post-mortem examination of Mahin’s remains is scheduled to take place on Monday and the family said that they will bury him, if possible, the same day.
Gobin also related that the Guyana Fire Service has not been able to ascertain the origin of the fire as yet.
Persons who are interested in assisting the family can contact them on 638-1163, 220-6909 and 627-2079.
