Standing among the ruins of the home his parents left him years ago, Rampersad Babute found a reason yesterday to smile for the first time since he was told his house was destroyed by fire on Tuesday evening. Babute and his brother Dhanraj, his (Dhanraj’s) wife, Suzette and their three sons’ Stephon, 14, Sean, 11 and Shane, six, were paid a visit yesterday by Works Minister Surujrattan Rambachan and Unemployment Relief Programme manager Kenrick Castellano.
Rambachan promised the family a new home for 2015 after their house at Cedar Hill, Claxton Bay was destroyed by fire. “We are going to construct a three-bedroom starter house, at least so they could have a roof over their heads,” said Rambachan who spoke to the media during the visit. “With three bedrooms because the family has three little boys.”
The family lost all their possessions in the blaze and are blaming the incident on T&TEC workers who were conducting works in the area at the time. Rambachan said the construction would begin as soon as the final fire reports are completed.
“All I am awaiting now is the final fire report and the report from T&TEC because they have to do their own independent investigation,” said Rambachan. “Because the family is claiming there was some work being done by T&TEC directly in the area. Once I have those reports in my hand we are going to move forward and help them start to rebuild.”
The minister said arrangements were already being put in place to bring material on site to begin construction. “In fact, I have already spoken to Mr Castanello about bringing the blocks and dropping them off next week and I have already spoken to contractor Mr Lutchmeesingh, who has agreed to clear the rubble from the site.” Rampersad, with tears in his eyes was elated with the news.
“I can’t tell you how happy we all feel today to hear this news,” he said. “It feels like we can finally breathe since this happened.” Rambachan also told the family to visit him with book lists for the children at his constituency office and he would provide them with all the books and uniforms they needed.