Eighteen families have lost everything and a total of 60 people have been directly affected in a massive fire that swept through a section of Silver Lake on Monday night.
No one was injured and MP for the area, Joshua Francis is now appealing to all Dominicans to assist those who have been affected by the blaze.
“What I have gathered in terms of people affected, it would appear that we have at least 6o people who were directly affected,” he told DNO on Tuesday morning. “We are looking at two long houses, each had a total of nine families, so you are looking at 18 families.”
He said among those who have become homeless are a significant amount of children.
“To me, they are in serious and urgent need,” he stated.
To make the matter even more urgent, Francis said the families of many of those affected are in Guadeloupe and have no one to turn to.
“So unlike some fire victim who can run to a neighbour, run by a friend, there are many of them who do not have the luxury and that privilege,” he said.
Urgent priorities include finding a place for those affected to sleep at, raising funds and finding clothes, food and other basic necessities.
“So I am taking the opportunity to appeal to the public to assist the Silver Lake people,” he noted. “They are in great need. They have lost everything. I am calling on the charitable organizations, whether Red Cross or not, to intervene and assist the people with a great sense of urgency.”
Francis said he called Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, last night concerning the blaze and to find out how the government could assist but did not get through.
“Unfortunately, I did not get a hold of him and that is understandable, it’s the holiday season and I called him quite late but I will be following up with officials within the government in seeking assistance for the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Francis is calling for the Silver Lake people to unite following the tragedy.
“They have each other and no one suffered physical injuries,” he said, adding that they are suffering emotionally and will get counseling at some point.
Below is a video shot at the scene of the fire.
Why is DA having all of these fires all of the sudden? It’s rainy season. Somebody is starting them.
Why is DA having all of these fires all of the sudden? It’s rainy season.
Them ppl deliberately burn their house to get new homes, u mean? How they’re not so concerned about who caused the fire eh? They are more concerned about getting dem apartments in Bath-estate and Elmshal.
If it was me i would be more concerned about who burn my house but their eyes on the prize, they want those new apartments, They find the Government taking too long to upgrade them so they maliciously take it in their own hands? I’m just asking eh?? Silver lake ppl we talking about wii. bad mind self!!
Christmas fire 2010 Mr Gon Emanuel
election one Christmas
election two Christmas
sliver lake Christmas fire
is some spirit interfering with Christmas in Dominica?
This does not appear to be an ordinary fire which occurred by accident, or negligence.
As it is stated, some of the residents of these buildings are in Guadeloupe. This means some buildings were unoccupied.
Something tells me that the fire was deliberately set. I hope the police investigators will question those who occupied these buildings to ascertain what might have occurred to start the fire which engulfed many houses. If they are experts, they should know if the fire was deliberately set; more than one for that matter. When the fire subsides, your expertise should be able to determine whether it is arson or not..
God knows what happened. Pray to Him for enlightenment and hope it will be revealed to you.
@ Views expressed: You have much to state against the government because you are a non-supporter. This is what makes all your comments bias.
Aside from criticisms and lambasting the government, what have you done for those people whom your bleeding heart go out to? You are even blaming the government for the sins of the people.
You mention about God. It is easy to mention his name, talk about him and blame everyone but yourself, as if you are an expert and so good that your negative words could rectify the situation in Dominica.
God expects that you, too, will do your part; not merely consistently criticizing He is a God of love; not hate. He is a confident, positive God; not negative.
As a Christian and a Catholic one at that, to be otherwise it is not genuine Christianity. You are amassing punishment upon yourself. Therefore, hold your judgmental opinion and condemnation and cease mentioning the name of God in vain. Too many are prone to doing that.
@Titiwi: Who caused them to go to that area, build those types of houses and reside under these conditions? It is obvious that these dwellings were not government-approved.?
This needs to be investigated. People should not merely go to an area and decide they will build on it and reside there. Prior to building they must first apply for a building permit which must be approved. This is something the government, the Housing Department must look into for future dwelling places.
Stop blaming the government for everything. If you are an intelligent person, you should know nationals are primarily responsible for their welfare, health and safety. Why, otherwise are they in the world for?
When they are minors, their parents are responsible for them. When they attain adulthood,they are responsible for themselves. They must help their country and others who are in need. The government cannot solely be responsible for them.
Lol
I’m going to put in my application for a Fireman’s position. No heat to feel, no exhaustion and exposure to smoke, no smoke inhalation or injuries – Nice job. By the time we’ll get to de fire; it would have turned to smoke and ash. Hope I get that job.
Everybody know god now?! Same as in the time of Hurricane (horrible) David. Two weeks after they forgot de god. But which god nuh, they know? When they are so deep in their voo-doo mess and obeah!!!!
But that is sodom and gomorrah man???? What were these people were doing for them to burn the place like that nah???
okay, This explains why the Government is now giving such massive help. It is not out of care for the people but a political response.
If we know what to do some dominicains un Guadeloupe Can put yo gether Thomas help them.we are same nation.so if it have a place on Guadeloupe to stock tell us.and hope express Can let them familly sene stoff for them.
Why people with negative comments dont just shut up and seek God. These people are in need. Let us be our brothers keeper and in this season we should be all about giving
Go tell Skerrit and his cabal. Think before you talk…check your facts first.
Let’s face the facts, that Silver Lake place has been on news frequently for one thing or other, now it has come to light they must talk. Could anyone be evil enough to start that fire. The world is everlasting and shall not be moved. Read the hidden crimes Incest. A son honour his father, where is the honour for me.This was a forgotten Country now he has to pay for his sins. Those of you who have spare rooms in your houses should consider taking in a person or two, play your part and stop pointing on other people and telling government what to do. Got It.
Such sad news for these people in the time of the holiday season . Don’t be discourage my people call on him .he will answer. One a serious not,isn’t a leader of a country at work 24/7 ? Just asking.
Everybody now is building mansions with 6 and 8 bedrooms, none of them opening their doors to any victims? These victims themselves are liabilities – They started de fire smoking weed and drinking Rum.
All you think Jesus joking? Using his name only at Christmas to party and get drunk. Thus fire came down. Holy Father says, “I’m a jealous God; don’t take my name in vain.”
Also, all you gouvelmure is too corrupt! bring all imaginable curse on the Country. Eh heh…A lot ah salt foo suck.
What JESUS……….no such person. This is just an unfortunate accident…………
What a sad thing to happen particularly at this time. I’m delighted that there were no known casualties and I pray that there are none. I will check the PM’s website for further information on how we can assist. We pray for the displaced families and hope that the children are not too traumatised. God bless Dominica.
Everything in Dominica now is a f’ing politics. Instead of some people being sympathetic and offer some help, them A’hole talking about government and passport money and chines house! To them I say to them HELP IS ON THE WAY. The government will never see it’s people perish. The same (one man) government will do what he has to do.
Kid on the block I thought you were smarter than that
I don’t like Uwp any more than the next guy but DLP is possibly ran by the reincarnation of Lucifer, COMPLETE HELL
Sad news, I feel for my people of Dominica.
When your neighbor house is on fire wet yours!
i am very sorry for those who lose there houses . god is in control .keep god in ur prayers
This is very sad, maybe some of them just got new things for the Christmas, especially the children. In everything also give God thanks, he will see you through, prayers for the people who are affected
Am so sorry to hear of that breaking news,thanks God there was no casualties,it would be devastating to here,we need to help each other and stop adding politics into it,
Sorry to hear that but the government can’t just give the houses that are available at bathe estate or Elmshall to these people. I may seem heartless but these apartments are already owned by some people. Why don’t you who is suggesting that give them your home to live in. Would you like it if some of these people just started living in your community? Do you know how they would take care of these apartments and what problems that would occur when they have to move out?. These apartments Are for persons who really need them. Does it make sense to disappoint someone who has been on the waiting list for these apartments? I think not. There are other means.lets face it these people live so unruly amount themselves, what kind of people are you bringing into these communities?.
Could some of the empty appartments in the Chinese built housing at Bath Estate or Elmshall be opened up and put into immediate use as shelters for these families?
Exactly what came to my mind
Don’t hold your breath simply because they did NOT vote Ambrose this time around
. Yeah some will say we put politics in everything but ANYONE who still don’t believe all Dcan institutions are stinking with politics. But god is good the people will come through for Silverlake residents.
Always Assertive!
I am relieved that there were no casualties.
So sad to hear about this tragedy, hope all the people are okay. Sending out prays and love to them.
I guess they realize government is taking too long to finish the other apartment so that well help speed on things
What does the goverment have to do with this fire ..these ppl lost everything try to assist them stop with the government comment in every damn thing that happens
..ps i dont support labour nor uwp bunch of jokers all of them
Be real, people should not be living in such ramshackle, hazardous conditions in the first place. What about sanitation and building- & fire regulations? These are all the responsibilities of a caring government. It really does pain me to see $27 million spent on a State House, lit up all night, immaculately maintained, to house only one man and his wife, while we are oblivious to squalor in which some of our populace are trying to survive..
PNM…it has everything to do with this corrupt, devious, insolent Labour Party government, with the worse Prime Mininister Dominica has ever had.
Why…? This community has been neglected by the former Parl Rep and the Corrupt Labour Party Government. The public Convenience where people go to poopoo was not functional for years. There was no water and no electricity for almost a year because the Last Parliamentary Representative , Ambrose George had not paid these utility bills for just over three (3) months. That is the level of dependency this corrupt labour party placed in these poor people. Faeces’ was all over and the community was a health and fire hazard. The fire came, soon the health part will explode soon. There are more inhospitable poverty stricken communities waiting to explode with fire like Silver Lake. God protect them please. God luck Joshau Francis on your campaign.
This is a sad state. Dominica please wake up.
Your comment is sad you think these poor people would risk their lives in that way just to make a point well my brother is one of the victims and that would very much below him
Seriously!? So you are suggesting that it was arson.
sad news I hope everyone safe. now so long dlp have over 100 million of passport money sitting in d bank said skerrit now is time to build proper dwelling places with the passport money. or maybe they can put those buildings in bsthestate and elmshall to some use. we wait to see!
its a very sad situation indeed for der plz of silver lake
but honestly speaking silver lake really needed a cleansing
just like BAYTOWN a few year back dat was distroy by water
sorry dat it happen by fire
sign of the time
its such a sad situation for de ppl of silver lake
but silver lake really needed a clean up
just like BAYTOWN a few year ago
sorry dat it happen by fire
21 houses man ooooohhhhh omg sad
The road to fond Canie also collapsed, no one reported it.
This is not the kind of news one wishes to read about during a season to be merry. Some people having a bad starting of a new year. Take courage my dear people take courage.
sadi indeed.. would love to help anyway i can once i know who the families are
Just contact the Red Cross or the m.p. Joshua Francis.
Have we ever been told the names of those, who perished during tropical storm Erika? I suppose that is a state secret too. I wish we were told so that a suitable memorial could be erected in their name to remind us and remember them.
No mention of loss of life. I pray it stays that way
I wonder wat caused it
So sad
I’m so sorry for u guys
Alas
Some people have it rough
Sigh
Jah guide
wow ohh my god lets all pray fr them. hope there were no casualties… oh god save your people
I love breaking news – It always stop halfway. Thus, the breaking. Not completely broken.
please see a psychiatrist ASAP