Help for Basilon St fire victims

The public’s response to victims of a fire in Belmont which left 19 people homeless, has been positive. So much so that East Dry River councillor Clint Baptiste believes they would be “back on their feet” very soon.

The fire took place on Wednesday last at 7.20 pm on Basilon Street, destroying three houses which accommodated four families.

MP for Port of Spain South Marlene McDonald and representatives of the Port of Spain City Corporation visited the victims, who were allowed to stay at the Basilon Street Youth Facility, just a few feet from the fire.

When Newsday visited yesterday, the families said the corporation provided mattresses and food, and a few people who read the story on social media called to see how they could help. They also said someone from Baptiste’s office took the shoes and clothes size for eight children who were among those left homeless.

Baptiste told Newsday that when MP McDonald visited the centre on Thursday, she immediately informed the Ministry of Social Development, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and other agencies of the families’ dire situation. He said those affected received letters of support from the Social Development Ministry to allow them to receive clothes and food as soon as they get the fire certificate.

In the mean time, the city corporation is taking charge of providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, which a burgess volunteered to provide same. And most of the neighbours were also offering assistance. Baptiste said the city corporation has also started a food and clothing drive, and was trying to organise school uniforms for the children.

However, he said he already spoke to the principal of the primary school of one of the children and it was agreed the boy would be allowed to attend classes without a uniform and would be provided with school books.

In addition, Baptiste said Chinua Alleyne, chairman of the Port of Spain North/St Ann’s East constituency, offered to provide school uniforms, while the Ash-nad Foundation is willing to provide school supplies.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Randall Mitchell told Newsday yesterday that Mc Donald has already reached out to him and the HDC is looking into temporary accommodation for the displaced families.

“I don’t have details at this time. MP Marlene Mc Donald brought the tragedy to our attention and the social services division of the HDC is looking into the matter seeking to bring early relief to those affected by this unfortunate incident,” Minister Mitchell said.