The Ministry of National Security in conjunction with the Urban Renewal Program yesterday presented Dean Street resident Natasha Minnis (second from the right) with a donation of shingles, plywood and an assortment of necessary building supplies to help assist with repairs to her home after the passing of Hurricane Matthew. Minister of National Security and Bains and Grants Town Member of Parliament Bernard Nottage (right) and Assistant Superintendent of Police Anthony Rolle (third from the right) address the media following the presentation. (Photo: Ahvia J. Campbell)

Natasha Minnis, a mother of four, not only lost the roof of her home last month during the passing of Hurricane Matthew, she also lost her 16-year-old son, who was murdered just days after the storm.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Anthony Rolle, officer in charge of the Urban Renewal program in Bains Town and Grants Town; the crime stoppers championship basketball team; and Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage yesterday delivered plywood, shingles, felt and other supplies to Minnis' home on Dean Street.

Rolle, who is also the head coach of the basketball team, said instead of having a party to celebrate the team's championship, they decided to give back to people who suffered significant losses during the storm.

"We started an assessment in this community and our assessment led us to the home of Ms. Natasha Minnis, who has lost her roof as a result of the storm, and to make matters worse, two days after the storm she tragically lost her son," he said.

"It came without a doubt that we would use the funds to provide building materials... and we are here to deliver that today.

"We also entered into a partnership with the member of Parliament for this area because we only provide the materials, someone has to pay to put it on.

"So this is [why] Dr. Bernard Nottage is here because we have also entered into partnership with him and he will provide the funding for the labor for this initiative."

Work on the home is expected to begin at the end of the week, according to Nottage.

As she fought back tears, Minnis said she is already financially burdened and to now have to repair her home after Matthew's devastation and bury her son is extremely heartbreaking.

Minnis and her three other sons are still living in the damaged home.

"I'm thankful because I don't have anywhere [else] to live," she said.

"I was able to put some canvas over one of the bedrooms [and] I'm in the back bedroom."

She said her family is devastated and unable to sleep at night.

"Only Jesus (have) me standing," she said.

The grieving mother said her son's funeral will cost $5,832. Money she said she does not have.

Anyone wanting to assist Minnis with repair efforts or her son's funeral can contact her at 467-1098.

The team also yesterday delivered supplies to 74-year-old Melvese Seymour, who also lost the roof of her home and had to be rescued by neighbors during the storm.

Sloan Smith, Guardian Staff Reporter

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