Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Widow Support TT is calling for an increase in the widow’s grant and stronger support for women who, after losing their husbands, are forced to fight costly property battles—with some even facing gun violence in their struggle to keep their family homes.
President Soraya Nanan and vice president Annmarie Hassanali were speaking with reporters yesterday at the Oropouche Community Centre, after delivering two food hampers for Geneive Pierre, a widow who has been living temporarily at the centre.
Nanan explained that those were the first of several hampers and other items they would be distributing to widows and needy families for this month, in commemoration of International Widow’s Day on June 23. This year’s theme is Orphans in Need.
Formed since 2014, Nanan said they assist with various items, depending on the need, such as electronic devices and schoolbooks during COVID-19.
Explaining that her group tries to help women with grief and moving forward with their lives, she said while a hotline is available through the Ministry of Social Development and Family Servies, widows complained that access is difficult.
Nanan said they would be seeking a meeting with the minister or the permanent secretary to discuss the issues plaguing widows. She said they would be asking them to consider increasing the Widow’s Grant.
“It is unfortunate the amount that they are getting that it is not sufficient to take care of themselves, especially a widow who had to seek alternative accommodations...find a place to rent, send their child to school.”
She said it is also difficult to access grief counselling through the ministry. Meanwhile, Hassanali said widows experience a traumatising and transformative process after their husbands die. She estimated that widows facing threats to their lives due to property battles account for five percent of the gun violence in the country.
“We have a percentage of gun violence against widow women in settlement of estate. We are working on a presentation, hopefully it will get the attention. Widows’ lives matter, but sometimes we are left on the back burner. Nobody checks up on you.”
She noted that a lot of women faced with property battle walk away, but it is unfair to them. “There are real cases of gun violence, resulting in death of widows and family in estate settlement.” Hassanali advised women to know their rights, adding that their group also provides a legal aid clinic.
Hopeful that their group would get a sponsor to help them roll out their plans, she said apart from the various donation efforts, they want to help women become independent and find their purpose. Those interested in reaching the group can do so through their social media pages, 689-8225 or widowtt@gmail.com.
Praying for a home soon
Meanwhile, Pierre, who has been staying at the Community Centre with her eight-year-old daughter and nine-year-old grandson for more than two weeks now was in tears yesterday.
While grateful for the assistance she has been receiving, Pierre expressed frustration over the situation. “Is just delay into delay. I don’t know what going on. Nobody calling me. I am having patience but at the same time I am very uncomfortable with my kids. They back out to school.”
Despite her struggles, including the death of her husband two years ago, Pierre said always tried to be independent, but now she feels helpless.
Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo, who has been assisting her since Guardian Media highlighted her dire situation, assured that they were working as fast as possible. He said a good Samaritan has offered to purchase the land for them to erect a prefab house, but they were in the process of getting the land surveyed. He said they were hoping to have her home ready by June 29.