Occupants of razed former Marley home seek help
THE OCCUPANTS of the childhood home of Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer in Trench Town, St Andrew, are yet to receive assistance as they seek to recover from a recent fire that left them without a roof over their heads.
The two-storey building on Second Street was gutted nearly two weeks ago, displacing about four sets of residents.
The Jamaica Fire Brigade had estimated that damage from the September 18 fire was $300,000.
Nardia James gave birth to her fifth child on September 11, exactly a week before the fire, and has been residing with her in-laws since.
“I am trying not to stress over it, but I really don’t have anybody to help me. I’m dying to get somewhere so that me and mi pickney dem can be comfortable and all right,” she said.
James told The Gleaner that she lost furniture, electronics, and clothing in the fire.
She added that her mentally ill uncle has remained in the burnt-out quarters as he cannot find alternative accommodation.
James explained that the fire has further disrupted online learning for her children.
The mother of five said she has visited the offices of the state-run Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) as well as the Red Cross but has not received any help.
“I would appreciate any assistance I can get,” she appealed.
Her sister, 29-year-old Kenisha James, lost everything, including personal documents.
“Mi haffi a bounce from house to house, cyah get a good night’s sleep. Sometimes I just sit down and cry and ask God why,” she said.
Kenisha’s daughter has been staying with her father as she tries to get things back to normal.
“I really need some help to get back the roof. Once I get that, then I can move forward,” she said.
Their mother, 46-year-old Debra Burton, said she had moved out of the dwelling prior to the fire but had been storing clothes and a bed in the room she once occupied.
“Me woulda like back a mattress. Me deh over mi sister yard til me get somewhere fi miself,” she said.
To assist the family, contact them at 876-439-1973 or 876-846-1162.