Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Karen Elliot stands on the plot of land in Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine, that she has received from the Government. Elliot lost her children late last year to the authorities because she was displaced after the structure in which she was living was severely damaged by Hurricane Dean, which hit the island on August 19. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

A wind of change has blown into the life of 38-year-old Karen Elliot, who recently had her children taken away by the State after losing her home during the passage of Hurricane Dean last August.

The Ministry of Water and Housing, after learning of her plight in a story published in The Gleaner late last year, on January 25 informed Elliot that it would be providing her with a house.

When The Gleaner visited Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine, yesterday, the mother of four said she was overjoyed.

With a broad smile across her face, she showed The Gleaner the letter she received from the Housing Ministry, as well as the plot of land identified in the document where the house is to be erected.

"I am so glad that finally I will get back my children to live with me. I am thankful that the authorities took them away because, even though it hurts and still does, I am seeing finally that I will be getting a house so I can be reunited with mi children them again," Elliot said.

She told The Gleaner she had been experiencing a numb feeling in her stomach since October 19 and had been to the hospital for treatment related to stress.

"Mi feel nice, very nice and thankful for all who make it work for me as the worse turn out to be helping me now as it's not nice to be without the children you love even though you are poor," she said.

Elliot had been forced to live with her children in the dilapidated Old Harbour Bay Community Centre since Hurricane Dean hit the island on August 19.

After The Gleaner highlighted her story, officials from the Child Development Agency took her children to a safer location. The separation from her family plunged the mother into a state of sadness.

Yesterday she said the sorrow was now behind her and she was now looking forward to getting a job so she can properly maintain her children when they are returned to her.