Homeless, family-less man grateful

Wendell “Foots” Bobcombe, 55, is grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received after losing his wife, daughter and house to a fire.

“People are checking up on me regularly.

“They bring food, clean the yard, wash my clothes and call out to make sure I am okay. Someone even dropped a bag with clothes, and I even got bras too,” Bobcombe said on Friday.

“I am trying to hold up. My madam’s friend, my daughter’s friends, officials, everybody is helping out and words cannot fully express my gratitude,” he said.

His common-law wife Vindie “Popo” Joshua, 57, and her disabled daughter, Ayanna, 32, were buried on Wednesday at a cemetery at Indian Walk in Moruga. The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services has also reached out to assist Bobcombe.

A release on Friday from the Ministry said representatives spoke to the widower on Wednesday, the funeral day. He received the funeral grant from the Ministry.

The National Family Services Division (NFSD) contacted Bobcombe and discovered that he was residing in a tent in front of his demolished home, the release said. “He explained that he was staying there to secure some ply board material which he deemed as valuable,” the release said.

Officials of the NFSD have also offered to provide counselling to help Bobcombe get through this traumatic period in his life.

Officials from the ministry’s National Social Development Programme (NSDP) also have gotten in touch with Bobcombe. The release said officials are working with him to help rebuild his house.

“He indicated how grateful he was for all the assistance during this difficult period and that he receives clothing and food from his relatives and friends on a daily basis since the incident occurred,” the release said. Vindie died at the San Fernando General Hospital two Tuesdays ago while her daughter died two days later, from injuries sustained in the fire, which destroyed the family’s home.

The two managed to jump out of the house at Fifth Company Branch Road in Moruga to escape the fire two Sundays ago at about 1.30 am.

Bobcombe, a mechanic, received minor injuries.

“Don’t forget to mention in your story how thankful I am for all of the help I have been getting eh. The nights are still lonely as it’s just me now but I am glad that so many are trying to help me get through this. It’s not easy at all,” Bobcombe said.