On Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at approximately 11.30am , a row of homes on Tamarind Street ( known as Downstreet) in Philipsburg were destroyed by fire. Some surrounding structures also sustained water and smoke damages, and the cause of the fire , although yet unknown, is being investigated by the authorities in the Fire Department. Gratefully, no lives were lost, but a total of ten (10) persons including three (3) children were left homeless, having lost all but the clothing they wore for that day.
The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labor through the established chain of command, immediately effectuated the Crisis Care Unit – and deployed the necessary manpower to assess the impact on lives and take the necessary steps to ensure well-being of those impacted. Through the work of the Crisis Care Unit, basic and most immediate needs were met, such as shelter, food and dry goods for the evening. The Red Cross was also on the scene and provided water, clothing, sheets, blankets, pillows and other basic dry goods for the that evening.
All impacted persons were further asked to visit the department of Social Services for further intake , which was done and completed on Thursday, January 2, 2014. Through the Crisis Care Policy, the eligible victims will receive the aid , inclusive of the one-time financial assistance. Social Workers are providing on-going counseling for the victims and the young children as well , with close collaboration with third party care givers.
The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor addresses these matters through its policy governing crisis care, and furthermore remains committed to the victims for the longterm to address any post-traumatic stress that this event may cause.
Finally, we kindly ask that donations for the fire victims be delivered to the Red Cross, this to ensure proper disbursement of the donated items to those who are indeed affected by this crisis.