Timehri fire victims receive more assistance

Georgetown : Victims of the fire that gutted a seven-apartment building in Timehri two months ago have been given additional assistance by officials of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The assistance which came in the form of household supplies is the fulfillment of a promise made by Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster to the victims, many of whom are public servants.

The presentation was done on Tuesday by CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir in the presence of President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn. The President was in the area for the inauguration of Surinam Airways.

The items will supplement rebuilding efforts by the families on their road to recovery from the tragedy that left seven families homeless. The fire on January 30 was reported to have been caused by a lighted candle in a middle apartment.

Minister Benn subsequent to the fire had also met with the victims to discuss relocation efforts.

President Ramotar empathised with the families and although he acknowledged that the loss suffered cannot be fully compensated, he believes that the little help will go a long way in the recovery process.

“I hope that you will be able to put everything back together yourselves and hope that this (tragedy) never happens again,” President Ramotar said.

Family members expressed personal gratitude for the patronage which they say has been forthcoming since their livelihoods were affected by the fire.