A grieving mother from the community of Good Hope, who lost her two children and father during the ravages of Tropical Storm Erika, was handed the keys to her temporary home on Wednesday, courtesy of staff of the Dominica Social Security (DSS).
The two-bedroom house, located on Solomon Lane in Goodwill, was made available to Sylma Joseph by the staff members through their efforts and generosity.
Director of the DSS, Janice Jean-Jacques Thomas said when Joseph’s plight was heard of, she told a staff member that they could take up a project for assisting her as staff members of the DSS.
“I hurriedly called the meeting of staff … normally we sit for staff meetings but that one was a stand-up meeting, we didn’t have time to pull chairs together. And it didn’t take me five minutes to convince the staff members that this was indeed a project we can take up as staff,” she said at the handing over ceremony.
According to her the staff went around in search of a furnished apartment for Joseph, but that proved difficult.
However, the present house was located but it was abandoned for over two years and was in a serious state of disrepair, so staff members offered to clean and paint the building before Joseph moves in.
“Staff members of Dominica Social Security became painters, all kind of occupations and they really put out their resources,” Thomas stated.
She said the DSS is willing to be there for Joseph and to provide her with emotional support.
“We will continue to be there for you, with you, supporting you until you can get back on your feet,” Thomas told Joseph.
For her part, Joseph, who will be living in the house with her daughter, thanked the staff of the DSS for providing her with the support and she also thanked the government of Dominica and Yvette Laurent.
Meantime; MP for the Castle Bruce Constituency, Johnson Drigo said it’s by all Dominicans playing their part, making little contribution where possible that, “we are going to build this country back to what it was before.”
He said assistance Joseph received will not end there
.
“We know this is a temporary resident for you, but it is our job to ensure that it is as comfortable as possible,” Drigo stated. “The government of Dominica will continue to assist you; we’ve been with you from day one.”
Drigo calls on corporate citizens, especially those who were not directly affected by Tropical Storm Erika, to continue to play their part in assisting those in need.
“Please continue to play your part, just help one family,” he urged. “It takes the burden off the hundreds government has to think of and let us continue to work together to build Dominica by supporting each other, most importantly supporting the most needy among us.”
That is very nice and Christian. Maybe other abandoned property could be put into use like that, at relatively little cost. It helps the homeless and at the same time helps to prevent the decay of an area.
Dominica News Online is read here in Canada by many interested people. Our hearts go out to Sylma Joseph on the loss of her two children and father to the storm Erika, and to all who were hurt in any way.
Congratulation to the Director of DSS Janice Jean Jacque and her wonderful staff for helping Ms. Joseph at this very difficult time of her life. I realize others on your beautiful island have done similar things, giving and working, to ease the suffering, and restore some resemblance of order.
Your gracious and kind behavior one to another in the aftermath of this tragedy has created a window for the world to see the heart of Dominica. Mention should be made of other nations, and their people who have quickly come forward with significant contributions.
Not everybody does the good they do for “religious” reasons. They do it because they simply know it is the “right thing” to do. God bless each and every one of you!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Nice
Blessings to you my friend and your staff
Boy Domnicans modara, politics in everything. Mrs jean Jacques did all the work yet Drigo leave jiss Castle Bruce to hand over the keys.
lol ok that’s funny
I cannot believe they still build those kind of concrete block box shacks in Dominica!
Where is the architecture?
Excellent, considerate and compassionate work DSS.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Congratulations to Sylma Joseph on obtaining a new home, be it temporary. You have especially emotionally suffered much and you deserve the home, a place to stay. Enjoy your new home and surroundings. God bless you.
Well done Yvette Laurent, u are one in a million. Keep doing the great job u are doing because I know u are doing it out of love and kindness. I am happy for pedwee and I am happy for all the things u did for her and a family, stay bless sister
She is truly exceptional and proud to call her my Aunt.
I saw this mothers story on DNO and I have been trying to reach this family to make little Dylan my help a family child. I thought Sylma the grandmother was from Petite Savanne. I will reach out to DSS to get contact information for this little boy. I am so happyy to find him.Dylan you are blessed.
Well done Sis and your staff, a truly exemplary effort!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is a plus for Mrs. Thomas and her staff. I really like it. Blessings
Great initiative and job well done by Director and staff of DSS.
What Drigo doing there?
Ah, Drigo just a lost soul. The lady is from his constituency and he is desperate to get some credit and make sure he does not lose her vote. Don’t worry about Drigo.
Well done DSS!
Well done, to the Director and staff of DSS. This is such a wonderful gesture and more meaningful, that the staff came together to work on ensuring the house was in a state of readiness, as well as providing personal contributions to Ms. Joseph. She suffered such tremendous loss. Your efforts will not be forgotten. May God bless each of you.
Great job to Mrs. JeanJacques Thomas and your staff.
Ms Joseph I am so happy for you. Just keep on putting your trust in Jesus and he will make a way for you. To the staff of DSS this is a job well done. Keep on reaching out that us what the lord requires of us. Blessings to all of you.
This is really awesome. God bless all!
Very well done DSS, it would be good to see other Corporate citizens like LIME, H.H.V Whitchurch and others coming forward and taking up other projects to assist with the recovery effort.
Great job Mrs. Jean Jacques and Staff. This article made me smile. May God reward you and your staff double what you have given.
awww this is really sweet God bless you DSS!
DSS the contribution is great,but the roof needs an uplift fro my observation,why is Drigo here also,H E DOES NOT HAVE WORK TO DO TO GET THE AGRICULTURE UP AND RUNNING AGAIN.
no need for any ‘buts’ – I’m not a member of staff at DSS, however, I would expect there is still a lot to be done Grell. Maybe you could volunteer to assist with the roof. and planting of flowers at the front, your support, I’m sure would be welcomed by all concerned.