Five families in the Westhall Group area of Vieux Fort lost their homes in a fire on Sunday, July 26, 2015. The mid-afternoon blaze in the community known as the Mangue entirely consumed the five houses, despite the best efforts of the Fire Service and residents who deployed hoses and buckets in an effort to quell the inferno.
On Monday, July 27, 2015, Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Vieux Fort South, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, visited the site of the fire and met with the victims and members of the community. He praised the residents for their courageous response to the conflagration, pointing out that adversity brings out the best in members of the community.
Said Dr. Anthony, “In distressing moments like this, in moments of disaster, the people of Vieux Fort always come together, work with each other, to provide comfort and help to each other. And I am grateful for that, always very grateful for that. That’s a moment when everybody puts aside all their differences, as they seek to protect each other.”
The fire appliances had substantial difficulty getting to the scene of the combustion, and Fire Service officials have also applauded the residents for their bravery and selflessness, which served to mitigate the extent of what still turned out to be a substantial tragedy.
In the aftermath of what he described as “a major disaster” the Prime Minister called for public support for the persons affected, who have suffered great material loss. He explained that what is needed at this time is basic assistance for essentials, such as clothes and food, as the individuals in question seek to rebuild their lives.
Said Dr. Anthony, “I want to take the opportunity to ask Saint Lucians to reach out to the fire victims. It’s a very distressing moment for them. They’re homeless and they’re being accommodated in other homes. They have lost everything, as you can see, their clothes, their personal belongings, fridges, stoves, beds, everything. So they’re going to need as much help as possible.”
Relief efforts are being coordinated through Mr. Cyril Saltibus, National Volunteer Coordinator. Mr. Saltibus can be reached via telephone at 484-3244 or email volunteerinfo@gosl.gov.lc.
