Talicia Lewis, whose home and business at Mahaica Gap, St Michael were destroyed by fire, will be rebuilding from a new location.
While thanking Barbadians for their support since the December 4 blaze, she said there were external circumstances that led her family to seek an alternative housing solution.
In a statement sent to the DAILY NATION, she shared details of how they were engaging with the landowners of the Mahaica Gap spot, in hopes of rebuilding there.
“My father Lloyd Lewis was on the property at Mahaica for about 47 years. However 12 years ago he stopped paying rent and made a submission to purchase the land as per the Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act.
“The submission was logged through the Urban Development Commission and sent to the then owner Colvin Dash, who is now deceased, to show interest in purchasing the spot.
“My father remained on said land uninterrupted, not paying any land rent from 2012 until December 4, 2024, when the house was destroyed by fire,” she said.
She said a request was made on December 5, 2024, to the Executors of Dash’s will, for permission to rebuild.
“The consensus given on December 31, 2024 was that they will not be granting permission under any circumstances,” she said.
Although the news was heartbreaking for the family she said they would continue to press forward.
“Not withholding the fact that we do understand our rights based on the Limitations of Action Act, Cap 231, Section 25 of the Laws of Barbados, our first priority is
to rebuild home and business and create what will be our new normal.
“The rebuild will be done at another owned location so that our family can put the pieces of our new puzzle together and I can get my businesses back to optimal functionality,” she said.
Since the fire, several Barbadians and the government have offered assistance to the family.
Lewis said they were grateful for the support.
“I personally thank all of you on behalf of the family for rallying around us and coming to our aid without thought, your kindness has been heart-warming, the way you guys are coming together on our behalf has often times moved me to tears.
“My heart continues to be full with each random hug when you see me in public, the kind words to let me know that you are rooting for my family, the new perspectives that I have been able to pass on to some of you as a reminder that there is purpose in chaos. Barbados, you have truly helped me to fully understand what the term “it takes a village” looks like.
She added: “I also want to expressly thank the government of Barbados who has continued to be a tremendous help to us in this process, your efforts are appreciated in full.”
(TG)
