Young Queenstown mother clings to hope after fire puts her life in disarray

In the span of a single phone call, Vanlisha Warrick’s life was turned upside down.
The single mother of Parcel 362, Mocha Sandreef, Queenstown Village, was at her mother’s small salon preparing to attend to a client when her sister-in-law called with terrifying news — her home was on fire. The incident occurred at around 17:30 hrs on Thursday evening.

By the time Warrick arrived at the scene, the wooden structure had already been consumed by flames. Everything she owned was gone.
A full-time Tuberculosis Outreach Worker at the Suddie Public Hospital, Warrick had worked tirelessly to provide a comfortable life for her seven-year-old child. In one night, she lost her refrigerator, furniture, washing machine, clothing, important documents, and other personal belongings. Nothing was salvaged.

Yet amid the devastation, Warrick is clinging firmly to hope.
Her child was with her at the time of the fire — a fact she now views as a blessing in disguise.
“I keep telling myself that as long as we are alive, we can start over,” she said. “It is hard, but I have to be strong for my child.”
Now staying at her mother’s home, Warrick is trying to come to terms with the sudden loss while looking ahead with faith and determination. She admits that she does not know what the next step will be, but believes better days lie ahead.
“I don’t know how, but I know I will rebuild. God is in control,” she said.

Regional Chairman Devin Mohan and Deputy Regional Executive Officer Omesh Sasenaryan have since visited the scene, and efforts are being made to assist the young mother as she begins the difficult journey of rebuilding her life from the ashes — clinging to hope, faith, and the will to move forward.