Following devastating Couva fire

CHRISTMAS is a few days away and 27- year-old Nisa Harry said she has already received her Christmas gift — a healthy baby boy who is to be named Messiah Williams.

But it was a bittersweet moment for Harry who became homeless last week Thursday when a fire destroyed the family’s home at California, Couva. A total of 19 people including eight children, from six families, became homeless.

Cuddling the newborn baby yesterday, Harry said she was very happy to have him but sad knowing, like her, he too is homeless. With the birth of Messiah, he is now the twentieth fire victim.

"Hopefully I am getting discharged soon. I am happy to have my son, but we don’t have our own home. He is my Christmas present. I am hoping the Housing Development Corporation can really step in an assist us because we need a place," Harry told Newsday.

She lives with her common-law husband, Kiel Williams, 32, a mechanic, and their nine-year-old autistic daughter Nakiya Williams.

On Wednesday at 3.41 pm at the San Fernando General Hospital, Harry delivered the baby via Caesarean section. Saying she was in pain from the surgery, Harry promised to contact and visit HDC after she recuperates.

"We lost everything in the fire. I only have one bag of clothes for my son. I don’t have any clothes likewise my daughter. Many people have called and promised to help but as it is, we don’t have the basics. Everything including all baby items went up in the flames," Harry said

Despite her uncertain future, she smiled as she gazed at Messiah.

"It is like being a new mom, all over again after nine years."

A relative has offered to temporarily house Harry and her family.

Last week Thursday when the fire broke out in an abandoned wooden house around midday in the squatting community at Concerned Citizen Street, California, Harry was on her way to the hospital. On receiving news of the fire, she returned to the area. By the time she reached, her two-bedroom house and five other houses were already burnt. The flames spread quickly to the houses and residents were unable to salvage anything.

Councillor Ramchand Rajbal-Maharaj yesterday said the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation and the Couva/Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce are working together to assist the fire victims.

"Today we had trucks and backhoes from the corporation clearing up the area. Once that is done, they can start rebuilding. They are still waiting on funding from social services. We continue to drop off hampers, clothing and mattresses to the victims," Rajbal-Maharaj said.

He is also the president of the chamber.

The San Juan Rotary Club has donated items such as shoes and hampers.

Rajbal-Maharaj called on the business community to donate materials to help with the rebuilding process.

People who want to assist the family can contact Newsday at 607-4929.