It has been two years since Maria Marcano was rescued from a muddy chicken coop that she occupied with her two sick children, eight-year-old Akela Williams and three-year-old Kyron Alexander. However, even though she was promised help from the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the Ministry of Social Development, Marcano and her children are again facing life on the streets.
On Tuesday, Marcano received notice from her landlord that she has one week to vacate her one-room apartment at Rig Road, Claxton Bay. Marcano said she pays $1,000 a month to stay in the house. However, in July, when Alexander fell ill, she was unable to pay her rent.
"I had to spend $1,200 to buy medication for him. Look at the bill," Marcano said, as she wiped away tears. She explained that the toddler, whose father is a soldier, suffers from a bleeding infection. The child is being treated at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic at the San Fernando General Hospital. He is scheduled to undergo throat surgery soon.
Akela is also ill and suffers from a sinus ailment. The distraught mother said she had no money to purchase books, uniforms and school supplies for her daughter, who attends the Union Presbyterian Primary School in Claxton Bay. "Akela's teachers are really nice. They help us. If my child want a pencil, they would buy it. They also pay for transport to send her to school," Marcano said.
The young woman, who appears to be healthy, said she suffers from diabetes, hypertension and heart problems. However, she was unable to provide any medical records to support this. Despite her health concerns, Marcano said she was willing to work if she is given a job. "I want stability for my family. I don't want to be thrown out in the streets," Marcano said.
She begged the Government to help her once more. When her story was first highlighted in 2009, Marcano said Minister of the People Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh provided three month's rent to help her get back on her feet. She was also given $1,300 in public assistance and a food card. However, Marcano said she was tired of spending all of her money on rent.
Sobbing uncontrollably, Marcano said she went to HDC on six occasions and was promised a rent-to-own apartment. "They told me that I will pay $800 per month and I agreed. I am willing to get a job in Cepep or URP to pay for this house. I am tired of worrying where my children will sleep," Marcano said. Contacted yesterday, HDC's managing director Jearlean John said she was not aware that HDC had offered Marcano a house. John promised to check into Marcano's situation.
