BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ON the morning of July 19 Anthea ‘Iantha’ Sage went through something everyone wishes never to experience. She lost the Lower Fiennes Avenue residence she shared with her significant other and three of her children by fire, and she is beseeching the public to assist her in rebuilding her life.
Sage – who spoke exclusively with SKNVibes – explained that she secured her home sometime before 9:00 that morning and vacated the premises bound for her place of work – the St. Kitts Marriott – when she received word that her house was on fire.
She said she was just meters from her home when someone shouted to her indicating the bad news. She explained that she was in disbelief at first seeing that she had left her home only minutes before. But seeing was believing!
Most of the contents of her home were completely destroyed and the premises is unlivable.
Yet, grateful for life, she walked away from the incident that day with just the clothes on her back and not knowing where she along with her three children (ages two, four and seven years) and her significant other would rest their heads that evening.
“I can’t even describe how I feel. I just wanted to know what was really going on. I was traumatised to the point that I passed out. I am thankful that we are all alive but we need somewhere to stay and we need help with other things.”
Asked what assistance she needs or would appreciate from members of the public, Sage responded “anything people could afford I would accept”.
She said a couple of individuals, including Minister of Social and Community Development, the Honourable Marcella Liburd, have committed to providing assistance for her and her family.
The mother of nine said this incident is particularly difficult for her especially since it brought back memories of a similar incident that occurred 16 years ago. And though she tries to be strong for her children’s sake, the memories of it flood her mind.
“I am trying to keep my mind off of it. I know I lost lots of things but I have to stay strong for my children…
“This is the second time that this happened to me. The first time was in 1996 just after my fourth child was born. I don’t really know what happened but I had just come off of maternity leave and I went work at the hospital and, while there, I was told that my house is on fire. That was on the corner of Central Street and Tibou Avenue.”
As she works to pick up the pieces of her life, Sage offers thanks to God and to those who have already assisted or who have pledged so to do, and is soliciting that of other members of the public.
Persons wishing to assist can contact Sage at (869)-662-2801 or her sister Colette Francis at (869)-663-5440.
