BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT has been months since the deadly fire at the Sandy Point home of the Burt/Pennyfeather family, and today (Jul. 8) saw the final chapter in the relief efforts organised by community groups and businesses around the island.
February 13 was a tragic date for the Burt/Pennyfeather family. It is the day when the flames of a devastating fire not only ravaged their home and most of their belongings, but it also left the lifeless bodies of six-year-old Demary Browne and two-year-old Kevel Francis among the debris. The ensuing weeks were challenging yet they provided a hopeful recovery for the family, as a strong community effort led by the Sandy Point-based Community Improvement Personal Empowerment Organisation (CIPEO) ushered in much-needed support.
A bank account was established to provide financial aid to the family and a collaboration of community groups, neighbours, businesses saw the burnt home restored and renovated into a habitable space. Today, CIPEO representative Cyndie Demming handed over an EC$ 4 885 cheque to the St. Kitts-Nevis Development Bank on behalf of the family as a payment toward their mortgage.
“Because of the setback, the account has been in default and we are happy to say today that we are clearing that default amount and also putting on some extra money on the account to help them move forward. It is organisations like these that we want in Sandy Point and other places in St. Kitts to move forward to say we are here ready and willing to help persons in need,” Demming told SKNVibes.
Demming called the donation an “excellent climax” to the relief effort, adding that community groups, businesses and donors who contributed in any way must be acknowledged. She encouraged others to be willing to improve the lives of others in whatever way possible.
“There is CIPEO and SPIRIT now in Sandy Point who are onboard to do whatever they can do to help to make the community a better place...whether it is relieving fire victims, or helping to feed the poor, or helping to house the person who doesn’t have a home, or helping to find jobs for the unemployed and also to educate the people of Sandy Point on what is happening,” Demming concluded.
Giving thanks on behalf of the family, Joycelyn Pennyfeather said the relief effort was heart-warming and it showed that many persons were still generous and willing to help in the time of need.
“This makes me feel so happy and so proud of Sandy Pointers and all the others who came from around the country to help us. I feel very good about the people of Sandy Point and of St. Kitts for what they have done for us,” Pennyfeather said.
The family is now in a better position to return to a stable life with the misery of the February 13 fire now behind them.
