CSEC student and mom displaced by collapsed house

Roopranie Lutchminarine, a 47-year-old single-parent of three, has been caring for herself and children since the passing of her husband some 13 years ago.

Falling into a state of depression due to the sudden loss of her partner, she developed a number of medical conditions which forced her to stay at home. Meanwhile, her eldest son, Rajendranauth Richard, became the sole breadwinner of the family.

Unfortunately, the family suffered another tragic loss. Rajendranauth died, leaving them hopeless; wondering what would be their next move.

However, Roopranie told this publication that she began receiving public assistance for her youngest son, Romel Richard, from the government, and from that she was able to foster Richard, a 5th form student of Tagore Memorial Secondary School, who will be sitting his first CSEC exams in 9 days.

During an interview, Roopranie recounted that about 5 o’clock this morning, she began hearing the howling wind, zinc sheets rattling, and suddenly a loud sound – after which she realized that her house was being blown down by the heavy wind.

She said her son, Romel, told her to not move from where she was until he made checks and ensured it was safe for her to step outside.

Roopranie said that she was trapped inside her bedroom at the time of the incident, but made it out with just minor injuries, and is thankful that she is alive.

“My fridge, microwave, television; everything fall down and damage. Everything tumble up, I can’t cook, I can’t do anything. My son writing exam and he supposed to be in school, but he can’t go now with this that happen”

The woman, who is unemployed, said it’s very tough on her at the moment to go through such trauma, and is willing to accept any form of help from anyone, as she tries to come to grips with what transpired that could have snuffed out their lives.

She is seeking the public’s assistance to put her house back together – foremost for some sense of normalcy to return, but also for her son to be able to prepare for his exams in a relatively comfortable environment.

Persons willing to assist the woman can make contact with her on telephone number 602-4571.