An outpouring of support and assistance for 23-year-old Ovena Braithwaite and her family has left her happy and looking at life anew.
“I thank God for everything that they bless me with”, the pregnant mother of two told this newspaper yesterday. She was referring to help rendered to her by various persons in the form of foodstuff, clothing and other items since her story was published.

Ovena Braithwaite

The woman’s heart-rending story was carried in the Tuesday edition of Stabroek News. Last Saturday a storm blew off the roof of the one-bedroom shack that the pregnant mother of two had called home.
In June her husband had mysteriously disappeared and life for the family was in a state of turmoil. The woman, who suffers from spells of dizziness due to problems with her eyes had burned herself twice while cooking on a wood fire.

Kind neighbours, who had assisted her during her time of need and who had brought her plight to the attention of this newspaper were thankful for the assistance rendered to Braithwaite and described it as ”overwhelming”. Ann Davidson, the god-mother of one of Braithwaite’s children said that the woman’s mood has been lifted since. “She has brightened up so much…she is happy”, Davidson said.

Local and overseas-based Guyanese have moved to assist Braithwaite and some have already done so. Braithwaite said that Gafoors have offered to build her a new home and she is looking forward to and is very grateful for this. An overseas based Guyanese has also offered to take her to the hospital for a check-up. Donations of foodstuff and clothing and food for her and her two children were also made.

“All her life, no-one has ever reached out to her like that”, Davidson said. “I feel so glad”, Braithwaite stated adding that she is grateful for all the help received. She has started attending a clinic in preparation for the birth of her baby, this newspaper was told.