Chichibella seeks assistance to rebuild house

Two years ago, Diandra 'Chichibella' Francis breathed a huge sigh of relief after receiving her birth certificate following nine stressful years of trying.

She said the document was key to her independence, but just months after receiving it, Francis, whose struggle to achieve her birth certificate was chronicled by THE STAR in previous publications, said she fell ill and was still unable to secure meaningful employment. Occasionally, Francis makes small change by doing babysitting jobs, but Hurricane Melissa has snatched that bit of independence that the Wakefield, Trelawny, woman had.

"We have lost our entire house. It was a large fowl coop we had and we managed to turn it into a four-bedroom house. And we did a survive in it eno, but Melissa come and take it away and it's six of us homeless now. It hard and it's like I don't see a way out," she said.

It has been more than a month since the Category 5 hurricane ripped through the island, particularly the western parishes, killing more than 40 persons and leaving thousands homeless.

Like many others, Francis said she is making attempts to recover, but getting positive results seems far-fetched. She is reaching out to the public for assistance.

"Currently, we use some zinc around the structure and use it as a house. The zinc don't nail down or anything but we just a gwan use them until better come. I wish if someone could give us a start to complete a two-room [dwelling]. I have two grandchildren and two children living with me as well as my husband. It is really uncomfortable as the mosquitoes are terrible. Overall it is just not a good experience," she said.

"I haven't worked since the hurricane but I use to do babysitting before. Mi have circulation problem so I can't stand for long. My husband is a taxi driver so is him we depend on,' Francis added.

Persons wishing to assist Diandra Francis may contact her at 876-476-8041.