Discovery builds new home for Marigot fire victim

When Lydia Alexander’s Marigot Village home burnt to the ground in March 2007 she thought she would never again have a place to call her own. As an unemployed single mother of five, she saw little hope of being able to raise the funds required to rebuild and was forced to rely on the good will of family and friends to house her and her children, often in separate accommodation.

But life is about to change for Lydia thanks to the shareholders and management of Discovery at Marigot Bay, and the generosity of Marigot Bay resident, David Lowry.

Recognising her plight and wishing to be good corporate citizens, Discovery's Paris-based management company, G.L.A. Hotels and Discovery shareholders John Jones, John Verity and Paul Kerridge raised some EC$28, 000 to rebuild and furnish Lydia’s home in Marigot Village. A further EC$1000 for the home's foundations was donated by Mr Lowry, while carpenter Peter Gilroy, is donating his time to undertake the construction project free of charge.

Speaking prior to today’s cheque presentation ceremony at Discovery’s Hurricane Hole Bar, Lydia, who is eight months pregnant, said the gesture could not have come at a better time.

“I feel joy inside of me. I am a single mother and I am so happy that Discovery is doing this. Without them helping me it would have taken some time before I could have had enough money to build,” said Lydia, whose new baby is due on February 18.

“Things are rough by me. I’m not working at the moment and now I am thanking the Lord every day that my house is being rebuilt. Whatever they give me will be such a blessing for me and my children,” she said.

Lydia was attending a job training seminar on March 9, 2007 when she received a telephone call from her brother to say that her house was on fire. By the time she reached Marigot Village, everything she owned was gone.

“It gave me a shock. I couldn’t believe what my brother told me was true. I lost everything—my clothes, my furniture, everything was destroyed. And now, I can put this behind me. I am so blessed now.”

The foundations for Lydia’s house have already been laid and it is hoped that the house will be finished before her baby is born. Furnishings such as beds, mattresses, a table and chairs, and kitchen utensils are all being donated by Discovery.

“I am really pleased that the shareholders and the hotel management have all come together and taken such a personal and hands on interest in Lydia’s situation,” said Project Manager for the Doubloon Group and community liaison representative, Sam Verity.

“The hotel and Doubloon International, the development company, have always relied on the support of the community here in Marigot and it is very rewarding when we are able to repay in some way. Through projects such as this one and our continued support of local community development organizations and their goals, we hope to strengthen the relationship between Discovery and the residents of Marigot and be proactive in the long term development of our community.

“This relationship will be key to our future development plans in the bay and the ongoing success of the hotel,” he added.