Tuesday December 25, 2012
Kaieteur News
Page 31
A fire, two deaths and rebuilding lives By Leonard Gildarie Having been in the media business for awhile, there are few things that can surprise me anymore. The very nature of the work makes you tough as nails. The death, the tears, the destruction can become too much. In the middle of the madness, a few things remain very clear and constant. A single moment can forever change one’s circumstances and perception. I can recall quite vividly earlier this year, and can say it will remain with me for some time, receiving news that my neighbour died after a motorcycle accident on Vlissengen Road in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens. He left his young wife and two boys behind - boys who were forced to grow up all too suddenly, doing a man’s job around the home and not even having enough time to grieve. It is a difficult thing to bear… the look in their eyes…and Christmas is here again. It will never be the same
A thankful Roxanne Douglas and three of the children that survived in the home that she is busy rebuilding. for them. On April 11 this year, another La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara family suffered a tragedy that within a few hours of anguish left two children dead and their home in ashes. None of the seven children she was caring for were hers. It dramatically changed the life of 39-yearold Roxanne Douglas, and the children living with her… at least those that remained. Now, she is slowly
rebuilding, her shoulders are a little more square and she is determined. Her story is a remarkable of courage and a die-hard attitude. Yet speaking of her hardships of losing her home and two children she was caring f o r, t h a t h a r d e x t e r i o r showed signs of cracks, with the tears. Seated now in her halffinished home, she struggled with the memories.
The process of rebuilding has begun
Two children died in the fire at La Parfaite Harmonie in April
HARDSHIP Roxanne was one of nine children – seven boys…she was the eldest girl. It was hard for the Corentyne, Berbice girl. Some days, she was forced to walk 10-12 miles from school because of little money and no transportation. Her big brother toiled and sent her to school. She eventually came to
town and stayed with her aunt in South Ruimveldt. “ A u n t Nan…everybody went by her. She was kind and there were gatherings and I guess this was what pushed me to always help. My family stands by each other.” Roxanne managed to get hired by Republic Bank where she worked her way up for a number of years. It was in 2007 that her life changed significantly. Her sister died. She lost her job at the bank. She also was recently divorced. Roxanne was left to look after the two kids, Andrea, 10, and Andre 13. Her eldest brother, in the meantime, became partially incapacitated, losing three fingers. He was also a single parent of three. They were also taken in by Roxanne. “You see, I am a strong Christian. I believe in not putting myself first and these kids needed help. My brother, my family was there for me and it was natural that I be
there for them.” She also took in two more nephews, including Alonso, 7, who was staying at one time at an orphanage. It was a tough time but Roxanne was getting some financial help from her brothers and from a little shop she had at her home. “My big brother lost three fingers, but still would work as a driver on a minibus.” Roxanne was also Chairperson for the Parent/ Teacher Association of La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School. She was juggling time with the children, the PTA and her church - Brickdam Cathedral - where she was part of the choir. She was also struggling with the fact that Andrea had been diagnosed with heart problems. “She had an enlarged heart. We had to monitor her food, blood pressure and make sure that she did not exert herself too much.” In the meantime, Roxanne remained single, (Continued on page 33)