Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Days before his wife is expected to give birth to their fourth child, a Ste Madeleine father is now pleading for help after a fire destroyed their home.
Rolan Gonzalez, 41, a small contractor and his wife Yenny Valdez Ferreras, both Dominican Nationals, as well as their daughters, aged 10, eight, and three, are now homeless. With nowhere else to go, they are staying in a makeshift structure by a neighbour, but there is no running water or electricity.
Gonzalez said the fire started after someone lit tyres near his four-bedroom home at Jaipaul Street, but he did not know whether it was accidental or deliberate.
He recalled that on Sunday they were asleep around 7 am when he awoke to crackling noises and fire. His eldest child was not at home.
Gonzalez recalled that he picked up his two children and ran out of the house, along with his wife.
He did not have time to salvage anything. Gonzales who lived there for the last twelve years said everything they owned, including his tools, was destroyed.
Gonzalez said his wife’s delivery date is next week and he had already bought clothing and other supplies for his baby. The children’s school supplies were also destroyed in the blaze.
Worried about what was next for his family, Gonzalez said any help would be welcome.
“Anything will be appreciated, whatever assistance I get I will be grateful,” said Gonzalez. Councillor Shawn Premchand said the Disaster and Management Unit of the Princes Town Regional Corporation was involved, and he was also trying to assist the family in any way possible.
Anyone willing to assist can contact him at 379-5283.