For more than a year, Bueina Cleare has been raising her two daughters’ six children on the good graces of strangers and a monthly cheque of $75 from the Department of Social Services.
On Monday, a popular tour group donated a cheque that Ms. Cleare said she appreciated beyond words.
Making the presentation was Philip Symonette of Bahamas Experience Limousines and Tours, who handed over a $1,000 cheque to assist the family, which has been struggling to survive since the tragic deaths of two of its breadwinners – Brunell Smith-Leslie and Brendamae Smith-Ellis.
Ellis and Leslie were two of the four persons who died during the 2003 boating accident at sea between the Sea Hauler mailboat, and the United Star barge.
The government of the Bahamas has failed to punish the boat captains who were responsible (they are the Prime Minister’s drug dealing cronies). Nor, have they done anything for the victims of the tragedy.
“This is a one time shot where we know there is devastation and so we want to give at least a little something that we know can help,” Mr. Symonette said.
“When you look at just buying groceries, it is expensive and if you’ve been disabled because of a tragic event, we can just imagine what it is like.”
Since the accident, Ms. Cleare has been saddled caring for six of the nine children left behind by her two daughters in a rented six-room home on the corner of Andros Avenue and Watlins Street.
“It’s hard,” she said. “But you know people come in and bring food and offer a little donation.”
Mrs. Smith-Leslie’s widower, Tenson Leslie, who was one of 25 people injured during the mishap, agreed that things have been extremely hard since the deaths of his wife and sister-in-law.
“No one’s giving me anything so I still have to go out there and make some money,” Mr. Leslie said.
“I need to put something in my pocket so that everyone could survive. And so right now, I really appreciate this,” said Mr. Tenson, who has reportedly worked as a carpenter, plumber, tile layer and mason despite a portion of his right leg been amputated.
Bahamas Experience and the family were brought together by Bahamas Loving Care, a non-profit, grass root organization that was formed almost 20 years ago.
Bahamas Loving Care is urging all interested persons to lend a hand to those families affected by the boating tragedy.
Persons are encouraged to donate money, clothes or grocery items.
To date, Ms. Cleare’s family has also received gifts from various others sponsors including Kelly’s Home Centre and Asa H. Pritchard Ltd.
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
