Clarendon family gifted retrofitted container house following Hurricane Beryl loss

Custos Rotulorum for Clarendon, Edith Chin, on Friday handed over one of two retrofitted container houses, developed under an initiative she spearheads, to a family residing in Rocky Point in the parish who lost their possessions during Hurricane Beryl's passage on July 3.

Tracy-Ann Thomas and her two children are the beneficiaries of the new dwelling, which was built under the 'Little But Tallawah Homes' Initiative.

The home comprises a bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom facilities, and is also outfitted with solar energy panels and a water storage tank.

The family was also provided with two bunk beds, a stove, a refrigerator and a cylinder of cooking gas, storage cabinets and pots and utensils, among other things.

Thomas, who ekes out a living by selling snacks and other edibles which was impacted by the hurricane, was also assisted in resuscitating that engagement by one company that donated a supply of products.

Additionally, her extended family was provided with care packages.

Chin said the gesture represented a celebration of the power of collaboration, empowerment, community and the beauty of hope, adding that the home will provide a safe space for Thomas and her children to thrive.

“The home we have built, represents the culmination of hard work, dedication and a shared vision that brought together many people and organisations. This project would not have been possible without the generous collaboration of the wider community, the companies and individuals who helped. I thank all of you who have made this a reality,” she stated.

Meanwhile, in a message read by Clarendon Municipal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Rohan Blake, Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, praised the initiative, noting that Hurricane Beryl had displaced many families.

He pointed out, however, that it was usually in the face of challenges that the best of humanity often rises.

“This initiative sparks hope in families who have experienced sleepless nights, wondering whether they will be able to get through these trying times. The beauty of this programme lies in its ingenuity and sustainability, and aligns with the global movement towards sustainable development. I am thrilled to see this forward thinking approach,” the Governor-General said.

The 'Little But Tallawah' initiative evolved from popular restaurant chain, Juci Patties' 'Tiny Homes' programme, and aims to provide sustainable housing solutions to the needy in Clarendon.

Other donors who assisted with the construction of the house and the accompanying provisions include the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Clarendon Municipal Corporation, RMC Wholesale Confectionery, Jamgas Limited, Stoplight Wholesale and Green Concepts Solar.

- JIS News

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