19 June 2017

The Grenfell Fire incident leaves me sad and heartbroken

The past few days have been very challenging. Hard to comprehend this happened in London, one of the richest and most developed cities in the world.

The Grenfell fire incident has impact on many people from around the world. Some of those who perished came to Britain and made it their home. Amongst them were those who came to Britain in search of safety. They had that safety for a while but that devastating fire robbed them that; it also robbed them of their lives and the lives of their beloved ones. Those who perished were not only numbers. They had names, stories, plans, aspirations and hopes. But all that was cut short unexpectedly. It is very heart-breaking. Deeply touching. Very hard to imagine.

I don’t live nearby; I don’t have relatives in that building. But I’m in a deep sorrow because the people that perished were humans above all. They were part of my wider human family. But I also have more reasons to be heartbroken and disappointed. I took time to visit some of the families of those affected and hence was able to pay my respects; that was the least I could do. I was also able to hear stories of sorrow, bravery, endurance, kindness and humanity.

To see the family of little boy Issac was so heart-breaking. To see the family of Brkite and Bruk was devastating. To visit the family of Hashim and hear their stories was deeply touching. (Hashim, his wife and his 3 kids are still missing). All the people I was able to visit were with their loved ones days ago. That is no more the case. Their loved ones are gone. Yes, they are gone forever. But these families and many others need answers as to why this tragic incident could happen in the 21st century London. They seek justice. Yes, justice is needed for those who have departed unexpectedly; for those who have lost their loved ones; for those who are made homeless; and , for those who are in fear as they live in this type of buildings. Answers and assurances are urgently needed.



My heart still aches. I am so sad and heartbroken. But I hope one day justice will be served to those affected by the terrible Grenfell fire incident. That is the least they would expect. Seeking justice for Grenfell. 


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