A family from 43 West Watooka is picking up the pieces after a devastating weekend fire reduced their two-story home to ashes, leaving a mother, her two children and two others, with nothing but the clothes they had packed for a short trip.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning while the homeowner and her brother, Tavon Allicock, were visiting Berbice. Speaking with the Guyana Standard, Allicock recounted the heartbreaking moment they received the news.
The family’s ordeal began on Friday morning. According to Allicock, the family left their residence to attend church before traveling to Berbice for the weekend. He emphasized that they took all necessary precautions before locking up. “Before we left the house, of course, we checked to make sure that things are plugged out and necessary things turned off,” Allicock said.
The weekend of fellowship was cut short on Sunday morning when a neighbor called to report that the house was engulfed in flames. The aftermath has left the family in a state of shock. The two-story structure and all its contents were completely destroyed.
“Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Allicock lamented. “Everything went. Every single thing, every piece that was there. All my sister had was just clothing, the clothing she packed to go to Berbice.”
While the Guyana Fire Service attended the scene, a formal cause has not yet been determined. Allicock mentioned that while there is speculation the fire may have been electrical in nature; the family is still awaiting an official report.
Despite the immense loss, Allicock remains focused on the safety of his family, stating, “We have the most important thing which is life. We can replace physical things.”
The family has already begun the arduous process of raising funds to rebuild. A GoFundMe page has been established, and the family is pleading with the general public for assistance in any form, be it financial contributions, building materials, or even manual labor.
“If you want to contribute financially, or if you want to contribute material, or even show up for a day and assist with construction work, we are open to all of that,” Allicock urged.
Those wishing to support the family in their rebuilding efforts can reach out to provide assistance for the home located at 43 West Watooka, Linden. To help Nastasia Allicock and her children get back on their feet after this devastating fire, the family is accepting various forms of support. Financial donations can be made through Zelle to 347 285 6894, CashApp to $Shibikie1996, Gofundme using the link https://gofund.me/1b0c92507, MMG (Mobile Money Guyana) to Devesia Glasgow at +592-638-6270, or Republic Bank Limited into account number 300000215861 under the name Devesia Glasgow. Additionally, the family is open to receiving other forms of assistance, and you can reach out to her daughter Devesia Glasgow at +592-638-6270 to coordinate donations of construction materials or labour.
As this mother and her two children look toward an uncertain future, the Allicock family remains hopeful that the spirit of Guyanese community resilience will help them find their way home again.
