Ministers Jordan and Broomes visit fire victims

DPI, GUYANA, Saturday, February 24, 2018

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes today met with persons who were affected by a fire that ravaged an apartment complex and two houses in Plaisance on the East Coast Demerara.

During the visit to the scene, the Ministers listened to those affected and offered comfort and support. Minister Broomes brought with her toiletries as forethought, however, the Ministers made it known that the purpose of the visit was to further analyse the damage and thereafter provide more supplies to those affected.

Firemen working on the remnants of the houses

Some of the damage caused

Minister Broomes comforting one of the children affected by the fire

Minister Broomes conducting a survey of one of the homes

Minister Jordan and Minister Broomes engaging some of the fire victims

The Minister distributing supplies

Minister Broomes offered words of support to the victims. “In everything give thanks, because you may have lost the material things, but you have life. I want to encourage you, women and men to stand with us, keep together, to get that hope and peace.”

Approximately 40 persons were left homeless after the February 23 fire, which started at the old “Abiola Hotel” on Victoria Road, then destroyed three other buildings. The hotel was a permanent home to about 30 of the victims.

Immediately after the fire, the Regional Democratic Council councillors made themselves available in order to supply the fire victims with much-needed necessities. The Ministry of Social Protection is also informed and working on a long-term solution for the victims. A meeting with the Minister of the above-mentioned ministry is set for Monday, 26^th February 2018.

By: Stephon Gabriel