Indian Community Donates Assorted Items to Susan’s Bay Fire Victims

At a ceremony held in the compound of the Tima Fishing Company at Susan’s Bay on Wednesday 7^th April 2021, the Indian Mercantile Association, led by the Indian High Commissioner, HE. Rakesh Arora, Ex-Chairman, Deuraj Budhwani, Consul, Harish Agnani and Secretary General, Robit Badhwani, donated a consignment of assorted items including bags of rice, other food items, and bundles of zinc, second hand clothing and beddings to the fire victims. The items were handed over to the National Disaster Management team headed by its Director General, RTD. LT. Gen. Brima Sesay, in the presence of the beneficiaries.

Speaking at the ceremony, the High Commissioner expressed heartfelt sympathy to the victims for the huge loss suffered, adding that the Indian Community see them as their brothers and sisters and were there to offer their support to them by supplementing the efforts of the government in its relief work. He furthered that upon hearing about the tragic event of 24^th March 2021, they were gripped by sorrow for the victims and decided to gather what they can to help relieve their sorrow. The India Community, he said, will continue to support them in whatever way they can, and admonished them not to lose hope and accept this little gesture as a sign of oneness in their struggle.

Earlier the Councillor of Ward 427, Madinatu Kamara, expressed appreciation to the team for their kind consideration at such a trying time for her people, adding that as the Ramadan is fast approaching, the food items will be used to sustain them during the fasting period. She thanked the High Commissioner and team for showing concern for their plight and prayed that others will emulate their action and come on board to render assistance to the victims.

In receiving the items on behalf of the government and the victims of Susan’s Bay, (Rtd) Lt. General Brima Sesay thanked the High Commissioner and his team for their kind consideration of the plight of the people. He furthered that the goods will be distributed to the beneficiaries. He then read out the list of all the items donated by the team to the people.

Moderating the event, the incident Manager of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Sinneh Mansaray, told his audience that a number of organisations, institutions, foundations and individuals have made donations to the victims, adding that when President Bio visited the scene, he asked about a little 5 year old boy who is said to have exhibited bravery and gone into the raging inferno to rescue his 8 month old brother, who was in the house sleeping whilst their mother was away. Sinneh Mansaray then introduced the little hero to the crowd and the Indian delegation, adding that the boy’s action is nothing short of heroic and needs help, as he is currently being treated for some eyesight problem occasioned by the smoke of the fire.

He also expressed appreciation to the visiting team and admonished residents to beware of fire as the plight of the victims is not pleasant.

The ceremony was climaxed by a symbolic distribution of some of the items to the mother, 8 month old baby and the 5 year old hero by the High Commissioner. Below are the donated items: