At the crack of dawn, villagers from Diamond Village, San Fernando gathered at the home of their neighbour Randy Seepersad and his mother Shirley Boysie, eager to begin reconstruction of his home.
Randy is disabled, while his mother is visually impaired.
Workers from the Land Settlement Agency arrived promptly and began removing the old plywood structure. Trucks drove to and fro carting away the debris while jubilant villagers helped to load materials. However, work came to a momentary halt due to water scarcity but Kelvin Romain, CEO of WASA, swiftly arranged a supply, reigniting progress.
Amidst cheers and camaraderie, villagers again lent a hand, clearing debris, eating chow, and sharing laughter under the scorching sun. Hobbling through the rubble, Seepersad smiled with gratitude.
“I’m overwhelmed by the love and support,” he said, touched by the outpouring of community spirit. He said thanks to everyone who extended kindness, reaffirming the village’s bond of compassion and care. “I didn’t know so many people loved me,” he added. Over the weekend, Seepersad said he was consumed by fear and anxiety that everything was a dream and he would end up homeless.
“I thought people would break down the house and leave me without a home. Where would I put my mother? I could not believe they were going to rebuild. I got fits on Saturday and I was so worried, but this morning when I saw the work starting and so many people here to help, I couldn’t help but cry,” he added.
The LSA team mobilised by chairman Wayne Innis and Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis began work at 6 am. Seepersad said he was overjoyed with the pace of progress.
Meanwhile, his neighbour Avaz Mohammed said it was a privilege to be able to help Seepersad and his mother.
“Randy’s mother is like a mother to me. I live across the street, and when my children were young, she used to take care of them,” he revealed. Saying Seepersad had always been a good neighbour, Mohammed said he was thankful to everyone who came to ensure both Seepersad and his mother could live comfortably.
“It is the Almighty God who sent them to help Randy. Nobody but God is responsible for his good fortune, and we are pleased to help him in any way we can,” he added. Another neighbour, Nicholas Valentine, said everyone in the community was happy to pitch in.
“We sorting Randy out. He always was a good boy, so any help the workers need, we right here to help,” Valentine said. Seepersad’s story, which was published by Guardian Media, triggered an outpouring of love from citizens both nationally and internationally.
Seepersad, 55, was born disabled. Five years ago, his mother lost her vision. Since then he has been caring for them both. As their home began tilting, Seepersad and his mother stopped cooking and began depending on relatives and friends for food.
Anyone wanting to assist Seepersad can call 767-6906 or 392-7004.