Four months after fire, father and son get new home

Fire victims Alan Maloney and his son Daniel returned to the fire ravaged ruins of their Ste Madeleine home to spend the night yesterday. However, this time both father and son were happy to return because they were joyfully awaiting construction materials from the National Self Help Commission to rebuild their home.

Maloney who was staying with his son at a Chacon Street apartment, rented for him by Good Samaritans, said he did not want the materials to be stolen. “Mr Kevin Williams from the Self Help Commission told me that they will drop the materials on Monday (today) so I want to be here to collect it. I don’t want anything to go missing so we decided to come back home,” Maloney said. 

He expressed relief that his son could walk to school instead of travelling, once their new home is completed at #78 Manahambre Road, Ste Madeleine. Maloney said the Commission offered to give him $20,000 in materials. “They are also organising the URP to help me with labour. I will be happy when my house is built back,” Maloney added. 

Boxes of clothing and wares were placed a bedroom, located behind the ruins. Maloney said he also had a washing machine, some chairs and small appliances to bring from the apartment but he needed a van to transport them. 

Maloney, 54, and his seven-year-old son, Daniel Toussaint, lost their Manahambre Road, Ste Madeleine, home and all their belongings during a fire on November 30. Left in a desperate situation, Maloney set up a tent he received from a neighbour in the burnt-out shell that was once their home. Surrounded by debris, the son and father slept in the tent and depended on their neighbours for meals.

Soca diva Fay-Ann Lyons later offered help to the father and son by renting an apartment for them in San Fernando. Over the Christmas holidays, another Good Samaritan paid for the father and son to stay at Kapok Hotel. Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, who lives a few houses away from Maloney, also promised to assist him, while Minister of the People Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh offered temporary lodging.

Maloney said he was grateful for the assistance in rebuilding his house. Anyone wanting to assist him with building materials or other valuables can call him at 790-4190.