Ragoo family expresses heartfelt thanks to all who helped

A clearly satisfied Kalawatee Ragoo accompanied by the elder of the two girls, Debra, 16, arrived at Newsday’s Carlton Centre, San Fernando newsroom to personally say thanks. Ragoo explained, her younger daughter Kimberly, 15, was unwell and stayed at home.

Ragoo, a single parent, recalled how her world fell apart when her parents’ home where she and her daughters all lived, was destroyed by fire.

Her father Sookdeo Ragoo, 84, and mother Pearly, 70, were unable to save anything as the fire which started on the roof quickly engulfed the house located at Hamilton Drive, Borde Narve Village, Princes Town

Of great concern to Debra and Kimberly at the time were their uniforms, schoolbooks and shoes along with two laptops from the Ministry of Education which were all destroyed in the fire.

Neighbours offered shelter for a period of time, but the girls were unable to go to school for the first few weeks.

Ragoo said Debra was so traumatized by the loss of her home, and belongings she had to get counselling.

She said her daughter kept to herself, and refused to go outside, or talk to anyone.

She said Debra, a peer counsellor at her Barrackpore East Secondary School, began to improve after she received counselling from a social worker at the Ministry of the People and Social Development.

Ragoo, who works as a cleaner to support her daughters, said, with the assistance she received she was able to complete construction of part of a house she started next door to her parents before the fire.

She said the Ministry of the People and Social Development provided a bed, a stove and a fridge.

In addition, she thank her MP Nizam Baksh for assisting the family to get back on their feet. An elated Ragoo said she is grateful for the assistance from neighbours, relatives and even strangers.

Debra, speaking on behalf of herself and Kimberly, said she thanks all those who provided them with school supplies.

She said she thank the Ministry for the assistance provided, and in particular the counselling. The family also expressed thanks to Newsday for highlighting their plight.

Ragoo said any future assistance would be welcome, as she was still looking for material to complete her modest home. She can be contacted at 784-5514.