Year after attack, Moruga burn victim still needs help

MORE than a year ago, Dwayne Alleyne survived an arson attack at the Moruga fruit stall he owned.

Despite being fortunate in escaping the fire with his life, Alleyne still suffers from burns and scars across most of his body, which he said has hindered his efforts to find work.

Speaking with Newsday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, on Wednesday, Alleyne, 39, said he is still struggling to get by. He worked as a funeral home attendant before leaving two years ago to start his own produce business.

"It hasn't been an easy journey at all. Right now I'm trying to get back into work with a funeral home, which is why I'm at Forensics right now.

"It's still very painful for me to do simple things. Something as basic as wearing shoes I can't do, because my feet are badly scarred from the burns. When it gets colder, I feel the change in temperature and my skin gets irritated."

Alleyne said he applied for a disability grant shortly after he was discharged from hospital, but to date, has not received any feedback from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.

"I applied to them since I got the medical report around May of last year. I managed to get all the necessary paperwork and submitted it to them, but I haven't heard from them since.

"It's a difficult situation, because my wife is the only one working at the time, but I don't want to be a burden to her. We have three daughters to support and there's only so much she can do, especially seeing as how they need devices for their online classes."

Alleyne said despite his condition, he is willing to work and is askling for assistance from the public for the short term.

Newsday tried to contact the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services by phone and e-mail about the status of Alleyne's application but was unsuccessful.

Anyone interested in helping Alleyne can call him at 389-3660.