Joel Julien
joel.julien@guardian.co.tt
Already struggling to battle severe weather in Texas, local author Hazel-Ann McLean and her two children were hit with a double whammy when their family home was destroyed by fire.
But even in the face of this difficult period in her life, McLean is now giving thanks.
Last week a winter storm raged across the southern United States causing dozens of deaths.
This resulted in Texas’ energy grid becoming overwhelmed by a surge in demand and led to a blackout which left millions without electricity and heat in the subfreezing temperatures.
Many residents also lost access to water.
McLean and her family felt the brunt of this situation.
In 2019 McLean moved to Frisco, Texas with her children Siroun and Aryll.
And last December the family was struck with tragedy when McLean’s mother Cynthia passed away.
“While mourning the loss of her mother, Hazel-Ann who currently resides in Frisco, TX with her two children, lost her home and all her belongings in a fire due to the current weather situation in Texas,” a Gofundme started by Kori John stated.
“She is currently safe and warm but has lost virtually everything in such a short space of time. She needs our support and help!” it stated.
The Gofundme which was created five days ago stated “as you may be aware, unprecedented snowfall and record-breaking cold temperatures have crippled the cities of Texas since Sunday.”
“We are all witnessing phenomenal occurrences globally with COVID and other environmental issues. But, our hearts pour out to our brothers and sisters in Texas who are facing a heart-wrenching crisis as we speak. Frozen water pipes and frozen water treatment plants have left people without access to water or food. And many have lost their homes due to bursting pipelines and a failing grid system,” it stated.
“What these occurrences have thought us is that no one is immune to tragedy, but with the help of others, we stand a better chance of striving,” it stated.
This has proven to be the case.
Up to press time, the Gofundme raised $3,800.
The Gofundme was titled “Support our SFGC and QRC alum Hazel-Ann in Texas!”
In 1986 McLean created history locally when she became the first-ever female student to be allowed to study at Queen’s Royal College.
McLean did form six at QRC.
She originally attended St Francois Girls College where she successfully completed her Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams.
She wrote about the situation in her book “ A Sparkle of Royal Blue: Memoirs of the first female student of QRC”.
When Guardian media contacted McLean on Sunday she was staying at a friend’s house which was also without water because of the severe weather.
“We are trying to salvage what we can,” McLean said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne was contacted on the situation and he arranged for the consulate in Miami to reach out to McLean.
McLean was able to get help from the consulate.
“Some specific financial assistance has been approved for Ms. McLean, to her assist her through her current challenges,” Browne stated.
Yesterday McLean said the consulate was able to get the family some funds to get started.
“I appreciate Dr Browne assisting. Please do tell him thank you so kindly. It’s hard for me to ask for help so when the QRC and SFGC alum stepped in without hesitation I stand in awe of those two organisations and the calibre of individuals that they produce. I would love to make a public statement to that effect once I get more settled or feel free to use the one I just mentioned. Thank you so very much,” she stated.