Two families from Sideline Dam, Middle Road, La Penitence, are now seeking help after a tree fell and destroyed their homes during a heavy downpour on Sunday morning.
Aubrey Garraway, a 69-year-old pensioner, told Stabroek News that he had just returned home from the market and was in the process of making breakfast when the tree came crashing down.
The man recalled hearing what he described as a “gunshot” and soon after realised that he was seeing the sky from where he stood.
He noted that after hearing additional cracking sounds, he plunged out of his home in the hope of getting to safety.
Moments after his one-storey building was demolished by the tree.
Garraway, a gardener, shared that he has lived at the premises for approximately three years since his daughter passed, leaving him the house.
At the moment, the man, who was only able to save some clothing, is staying at a neighbour.
He is asking for the public’s intervention to assist him in rebuilding his home. He can be reached on 668-8408.
Meanwhile, Coleen Wilson, whose house was also devastated by the fallen tree, told this newspaper she was awaiting the return of Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, who informed her during a visit that he would return.
The woman, who lived with five others at her home for approximately 32 years, is now unable to stay there as the sides and the roof have caved in.
At the time this newspaper visited yesterday, the house was leaking severely as a result of rainfall.
Matthew Fraser, a relative of Wilson who was home at the time of the accident, stated that he initially thought the cracking sound came from a coconut tree nearby but soon after realised what had fallen on his home.
Fraser is currently unemployed due to the pandemic but noted that he takes up mechanic jobs when he can.
Unsure where to turn, the family is awaiting the return of minister Benn to determine their next move.
Presently, Wilson is staying with neighbours while Fraser is taking the risk of occupying a front room in the wreckage.
The family can be reached on 666-3967.
Representatives from the Mayor and City Council have since visited to cut the rest of the tree which was uprooted.
