Desperately in need of money to take care of her five children, Geeta Boodhoo, who lost a hand during an attempt on her life just over a year and a half ago, says authorities are “dragging their feet” on her request for public assistance.
Life has become tougher for 32-year-old Boodhoo, who was also injured earlier this year when she was struck down by a car while taking her children to school.
Boodhoo told Stabroek News that she applied for the benefits five months ago but she has not gotten any response from the Social Welfare Department in Region Three.
Boodhoo subsequently inquired in Georgetown but was told that the officers in Region Three had not sent any documentation. She is wondering why they are “dragging their feet.”
The woman lamented that she is finding it hard to take care of her five children. She is also worried about where she would get money to purchase items to send them to school, when the new term starts in September.
Her disability had forced her to turn to a life of begging to support her five children.
Boodhoo had moved from Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo to a rented apartment at Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, when she was involved in the accident. She moved from Sisters Village after she was discharged from hospital.
She was struck from behind by a speeding car on May 17.
At the time, she was taking two of her children to the Wales Primary School, where they were expected to start the following day after seeking a transfer. Fortunately, the children were not injured.
Boodhoo was rendered disabled on December 16, 2014, when her former reputed husband, Joshua Franklyn, a cane-harvester, allegedly attempted to murder her with a cutlass.
During a chopping spree at the Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo home where he had lived with Boodhoo, he allegedly killed her mother, Zalima Khan, 55; her daughter, Ashley, 9; and a friend, Floyd Drakes, 30.
Boodhoo who worked as a waitress, sustained severe injuries to her head, neck and shoulder and it was while barring the chops that her left hand was severed, just above the wrist.
Franklyn and his son, Jimmy Franklyn, have been charged with the crimes.
