BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MANY turned out yesterday (Mar. 11) to witness the handing-over and thanksgiving ceremony for the Burt Family of Sandy Point, who were presented with the keys to their refurbished home.
It is nearly one month after the devastating February 13 house fire that claimed the lives of Burt family members Demary Browne, six, and Kevel Francis, two, and while the memories of the family’s loss will live on with them, they can now start a new life in their home – a gift of love from the people of Sandy Point and partners in the business community.
President of the Sandy Point-based Community Improvement and Personal Empowerment Organization (CIPEO) Stephen Duggins explained that yesterday’s ceremony had a twofold purpose: to thank the volunteers and donors who assisted in renovating the fire-ravaged home and to show community support to the family. Duggins, who is an active member of the community, said the event is not only a “bittersweet” occasion but also a historic one.
“We are here at what can be described as a bitter sweet occasion; bitter in the sense that we had a tragedy, but sweet in the sense that we are here this afternoon to bring praise and give thanks to Almighty God, neighbours, supporters, friends and well-wishers at a time of need for the Burt family.
“This occasion marks a historic one because, though I have spent a few years on this earth, I have never seen persons in the community coming together and rally for a just cause like this before. I have seen young men, young women from all walks of life and from all over St. Kitts coming together and offer their talent, time and their money and so today we celebrate, give thanks and come together at this time to share with the family,” Duggins said during his brief remarks.
The home, which was left unsalvageable after the destructive fire, is now restored with a new roof, windows, doors and tiles. Each bedroom has new closets, furniture and fittings. The entire house received new plumbing and electrical work and a brand new kitchen and appliances are expected to welcome the distraught family.
A new living room set and fresh paint job will offer a cosy resettlement. Changes to the house were also made during the project, including making a third exit at the back of the home and fitting the rooms with smoke detectors.
Contributions rolled in from persons of all backgrounds, with significant donations also being made by large businesses. The St. Kitts Marriott was able to make their donation in the last minute, giving the family a brand new living room set with carpets, chairs and furniture. Acknowledgement must be given to the “faithful five” who committed their all to see the project come to fruition: Aaron Richards, Vincent Edwards, Alrick Liburd, Devon Liddie, Wayne Phillip.
Present at the ceremony were Parliamentary representative for the area Hon. Shawn Richards and Minister of Social Services and Community Development Hon. Marcella Liburd. Richards noted that while this point might be the family’s lowest, they must find the strength to move on.
“As we gather here to salvage some beauty from the ashes, I am reminded of the story of the phoenix, that mythical bird that rises from the ashes. The symbol is powerful because... regardless of the depth of our grief and pain, there is a way to go on if we have the courage to look for it.
“This home, the house, as well as the family, is a phoenix which has chosen to embrace the future in spite of the pain that is never easy. I salute all of my fellow Sandy Pointers for your courage in being an example to all of us,” Richards said yesterday.
After a brief moment of silence one of the victims, Joycelyn Pennyfeather, thanked the community members and businesses for hearing and answering their cries for help.
“I would like to give thanks and praise to the Almighty God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us over the few weeks. This incident has caused us to observe and appreciate the good-spiritedness and community-mindedness of not just the people of Sandy Point but also of the entire country. The many calls, visits and words of comfort and encouragement were all appreciated.”
A new door is now open for the family and community members have pledged their support to assist the family in its resettlement.
