Neighbor pulls disabled woman from burning home
There was a mid morning fire on Sunday afternoon at the corner of Mahogany and Causarina Street. The victims are both elderly persons who lived in two small wooden homes. Antonette Velasquez is unable to walk and a neighbor grabbed her out of her home. The other victim, eighty six year old Shedrock Mckoy also lost everything in the fire, but he says having good neighbors made all the difference in saving the life of his companion.
Shedrock Mckoy, Fire Victim
“There is no judgment with that fire. I noh know what caused the fire; I think dah must electrical. I just come in on the bike. While the bike at its spot, gone inside the house. I say mek I go get the water and when I come in, the house on fire. It must be the electrical or something, but nobody was there on the scene. No I have good faithful neighbors cause she couldn’t walk and they take her out and so that she is saved.”
Jose Sanchez
Shedrock Mckoy
“In terms of valuables, was there anything, any mementos, anything irreplaceable that you lost?”
Shedrock Mckoy
“Everything. I got to take care of myself, but I had good neighbours. They come and find out, neighbors like that. She couldn’t walk and they take her out of the house quick and take her over the street. The lady is right there. That’s why you have to be good in this world to people; cause anything can happen to you and you can’t help yourself; especially if you sick.”
Jose Sanchez
“Miss Williams if somebody wants to help who can they contact?”
Ismay Williams
Ismay Williams, Grandniece of Fire Victim
“You can reach me at my cell number, 635-2374 or 651-0099. Any assistance render4ed is appreciated because Mr. McKoy lost everything; all weh ih have dah the clothes pan ih back. Ih neva had time fi take out nothing. The fire just spread fast. Two house in the yard and the two house gone down quick because dehn dah wooden building and dehn deh deh fi quite some while.”
Jose Sanchez
“It was the fast action of the neighbors who helped the other lady to get out?”
Ismay Williams
“Yes help rescue because him because it was him and his companion and she is bedridden and he got confused when the fire started blazing. And the neighbor came and assisted them. I must say I am very grateful and thanks for neighbors like that because it coulda mi be worse because dah two elderly people and we really appreciate it.”
If you would like to help any of the two fire victims, you can call 6510099.
Many thanks to these heroic neighbors, who lived out the great commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
It’s all the more gratifying as a contrast to the many bleak stories of humans behaving at their worst.
Prayers of thanks to the neighbors, and of recovery to the victims.
Couldn’t say anything better myself Storm and Blessings to you and your entire family as well. We still have good people in this world that need to pray for those that are not. “COME BACK BELIZE, PLEASE COME BACK TO CIVILIZATION”. This is what it’s all about, “Brotherly & Sisterly LOVE”. Ayo.
The government should acknowledge these heroes who save the lad. They should be publicly recognized and given the Order of Belize.
Tragic story and I will send a small contribution. It is refreshing to hear Mr McKoy’s use of words to describe his wife, “My lady, pet etc” and the loving way he was devoted and took care of her.