A security officer from Industrial Site Ruimveldt, Squatting area, Greater Georgetown, is pleading for public assistance after a branch from a nearby tree came crashing down on her home during a recent downpour, destroying the roof.
Carol Pickette said the incident occurred late Wednesday evening as heavy rainfall swept through the area.
She told this publication that she had just returned home from work when she discovered that the tree had fallen, with one of its branches crashing through her roof, leaving rain to pour into her home.
“I was at work when it happened. When I came home, the rain was just coming straight into the house. All of my clothes, shoes, bed, pillows, everything was soaked and damaged,” she said.
The tree also caused significant damage to a second structure in the yard, her nephew’s home, located opposite hers. His roof was also torn apart, and he lost several key household items, including his bed and television.
“He’s my nephew and he lives just across right here. His roof is gone too. His bed, his TV… he said was damaged,” she added.
The woman, who only recently secured her current job as a security officer, said she has not yet received her first salary and has no funds to carry out the repairs. She tried to do what she could with what little she had, using old materials to provide a temporary fix, but it has proven insufficient, especially with the rainy season in full swing.
“I gave someone a little money to try and nail up something, but it’s not holding. I can’t afford to do anything more right now. I have to wait for my first pay, and even that won’t be enough. People see you walking and looking good, and they don’t know what you going through,” she explained.
The woman believes the tree may have been poisoned, as large, rotting chunks have started to fall away from its trunk.
“I have to find money to cut it again because they said more might fall, and I’m scared that the next time, it might do more damage or even hurt someone,” she related.
Living alone in her small home, surrounded by multiple family houses on the same property, she’s now appealing to anyone who is willing to lend a hand. Her most pressing need, she said, is to get back some of the clothes and household items she lost, and to repair her roof before another storm hits.
She estimates her total losses to be over $100,000. The woman can be contacted on 601-1830.
Discover more from INews Guyana
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
