Family loses livelihood in Parika Market fire

Hi, my name is Geetanjali Samlall-Sohan. I was born in Parika, Guyana, where my immediate family currently lives.

On February 10th, 2023, at about 2PM EST, a fire set ablaze the Parika Market, where my parents work. My father, Harriram Samlall, owns a business along with my mother and brother called A&S Snackette. They worked in the same location for over 12 years, where they would sell freshly cooked food along with some other packaged goods. My family and their faithful employees put their heart and soul into this business, waking up at 2AM and coming home until about 6PM daily. Our family business spans the entire 7days of a week. They do not know much about a day off.

All was burnt to ash by the fire that took place in Parika Market.

Harriram Samlall, along with my mom, Shirmatie, and my brother Chaitram, invested about $100,000 USD into their business. From the mortgage, to cooking equipment, goods, and storage, all was lost in this tragic event. Guyana, as a third world country, does not have the fortunate policies set up such as insurance to help compensate this loss. Government aid is also unknown.

My family has always been very generous, providing food for church and offering friends, family, or even complete strangers a place to stay in their own home. Also known as Chacha Harri, my father set up a huge wedding for my husband, Amar Sohan, and I just 2 years ago in Parika.

I grew up working in A&S Snackette, and this business is the main source of my family's livelihood. I am more than grateful that my family is safe and unharmed, but I can't standby in their time of need. Please help raise just a portion of their loss, $30,000 USD. It will go a long way to keep their financial and mental life stable. Thank you so much for anything you can offer.

Below you can see the before and after images of what our shop, A&S Snackette, looks like. The cover photo was taken by Stabroek News, where you can find more coverage of the disastrous fire.