Help is on the way for Salmattie Garibsingh, the Freeport woman who is blind and bedridden, as a donor has agreed to sponsor the cost of building a steel roof over her unfinished home.
“I feel so happy, I start to cry this morning when I hear somebody say they will build a roof for us, it is every day I pray and ask God to help me finish this house and I feel like my prayers getting answered now,” an emotional Garibsingh said on Tuesday.
Founder of the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Zahir Ali, reached out to the family on Tuesday with the news that a donor had pledged to complete their roof. Ali told Guardian Media several of the foundation’s members intend to visit Garibsingh to determine what other assistance they can offer.
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development Vijay Gangapersad said on Tuesday field officers will visit the family and make an assessment. Gangapersad said the officers will assess whether Garibsingh qualifies for a housing repair grant of $15,000 and a food card.
On Tuesday, this newspaper highlighted Garibsingh’s living conditions and her plea for help.
The 62-year-old woman of Arena Road, Freeport lives with her ailing husband, Mahadeo Ragbir, 58 and their son, Mitchell Ragbir, 23.
Mitchell takes care of Garibsingh on a daily, helping to bathe her, eat and give her medication.
Mahadeo does odd jobs around the community but said he suffers from an enlarged prostate and high blood pressure and is often confined to his bed for days at a time.
Through a sou-sou, the family was able to begin construction of a home earlier this year but were unable to complete it.
So far, they have been able to purchase the blocks and cement needed to construct the foundation and erect the walls of the house. They need more money to buy material for a new roof, plaster the walls and buy doors and windows.
Whenever it rains, the roof leaks and rain pours into the house from the back, where several sheets of galvanise are missing. At night, Mahadeo props old sheets of galvanise in the windows and doors spaces to deter anyone from coming into the house.
Anyone wishing to assist the family can contact them at 489-2294.