RESIDENTS of four premises on Fleet Street in downtown Kingston as well as four adjoining premises on Ladd Lane who were victims of a massive fire on February 24 that left them homeless have begun to recover with assistance from Supm Fi Talk Bout Social Enterprise and Tours organisation and others linked to the entity.

Multiple families, comprising roughly 50 people — including more than 20 children — were displaced by the fire which spread from Fleet Street to Ladd Lane.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who visited the fire victims shortly after the blaze, announced that the Government will be assisting the residents who were affected.

He noted that the intervention “is not something that can happen overnight” as there are several steps that need to be taken before any substantial rebuilding or assistance can occur.

But less than four weeks since the tragedy, there are already promising signs that some victims are beginning to bounce back even as they await support from State agencies.

One family of six has managed to clear debris, and they are confident that with their efforts, and help from others, they will soon be on a path towards putting up a structure.

“Moving towards reconstruction, the first foundation was done at a spot at the front of the yard at 17 Fleet Street. Supm Fi Talk Bout is a part of the support system for that space to get it up as the first house to go back up after the fire. We have to just watch and see if any outside organisation or Government entity will come in and do something for the families,” Phillip Watson, chief executive officer of Supm Fi Talk Bout, told the Jamaica Observer.

“The families are trying to build back their places on their own. They are not waiting. To be homeless is not nice and they know that and understand that. They are also clearing the debris themselves, but it is a lot of work.

“The people who were displaced, some now live with family and friends, most of them are still in the community. Those who have family outside go out and come back in to try and fix their place and are trying to get back their lives together, picking up the pieces to move forward,” Watson added.

He said youth associated with his organisation have been helping to clear debris and assist with numerous other activities aimed at getting those displaced back on their feet.

According to Watson, he would love to see a flood of aid coming in from sources other than his contacts and supporters to help those affected bounce back quickly.

“For Supm Fi Talk Bout, if we get more support from outside people, things could move faster. The people who support us now are independent entities and people who do it on a personal level. The only official organisation helping out is Rapid Relief, and we also have Salvation Army on board. Otherwise, it’s just individuals who bring stuff for the fire victims, and they are channelling it through Supm Fi Talk Bout,” Watson told the Observer.

“Every other day I meet with the victims and ask questions. It is not easy for them because they lost everything. Most people get a little bit stressed and frustrated and experience all different types of trauma. They are homeless and have to live with family, and it stops certain things for those families.

“It is rough and traumatising. Everybody has to team up and get it done. One elderly lady, Miss Claudette, is not so good right now because of the experience,” said Watson as he encouraged the public to reach out to Supm Fi Talk Bout at 876-485-1507 if they wish to contribute to or participate in recovery efforts.

Cheryl Williamson, the daughter of the woman who Watson referred to as Miss Claudette, said it was unfortunate that she lost her house, but is more concerned that her family was separated due to the fire on February 24.

“Five of us lived in our house. Right now, from the fire, my family has been separated from me. It’s almost heartbreaking. From I was born, I live here. This is where my son was born. I had him on my mother’s bed. Up to now we have a deep connection to the space. My son is 15 now. December coming I will be 39. Fire and everything pass through and never touched me yet, until now,” said Williamson.

She told the Observer that the sight of fire razing house after house will forever be etched in her memory.

“I can’t forget it. I stood up watching my house burn down. I was inside my house cooking curried mutton and almost finish, and said I was going to bathe. It was about 3:20 pm. I took out my clothes and said I would hold a fresh now. Same time I heard my daughter calling me. She said, ‘Poochie! Poochie! fire!’

“When I looked the fire was in 15 Fleet Street, in the house of a man named Limbo. Same time my mother bawl out. My mother is very sick. My eyes are red like this because I have been crying. My mother just came from hospital and I am hearing a sad story that I don’t want to hear,” Williamson added while declining to share details of the sad news.

Carlton Edwards, a resident of 26 Ladd Lane who was displaced by the fire, said he has been living with his nephew since the ordeal, and although he is trying to settle in the new environment, his life has been disrupted.

“My house burnt right out. The brick walls and the columns were burnt out totally. My life has been disrupted. This is not my regular lifestyle, but right now I have to try and settle in the new environment until I sort myself out,” Edwards, an electrician, told the
Observer.

He said that he has received care packages through affiliates of Supm Fi Talk Bout while he looks forward to some form of assistance from the Government.

“The people who work with the Member of Parliament Donovan Williams came around and took certain information, promising assistance. What I basically want is to get back my life as close to normal as before, not only for me but all the other victims. Some are going through it more than some because some have children,” he said.

Edwards shared that his recollection of the fire was that it was not a pretty sight.

“I was inside and I heard someone on the house top. Normally they would go up there to pick ackee or something. I was laying down in a shirt and my underwear. I came outside just to see who was on the house top. When I looked, I saw a youth from next door and he said there was a fire down at Kerry. When I looked, the fire was raging.

“The trees were on fire and there was heavy smoke. The smoke was overwhelming. My first thought was to get my important documents. I always have an envelope put down with passport and birth paper so in case of anything I would just grab them and move. My intention was to come out of the smoke. It was me alone in there. I occupy two rooms and another guy occupied one room, but he wasn’t there. He came and saw the place burned down,” Edwards said.