Hands amputated after an accident, former UG student struggles to cope

Mar 12, 2018 News

Just three months after suffering a tragic accident that caused him to lose both his hands, Melroy Pyle, his wife and four children have been struggling to cope with the inevitable changes that were forced upon them as a result of the accident.
Taking care of the family alone and having to work has taken a toll on Tena Pile, Melroy’s wife; but her faith that things will get better, and the support from those around her have kept her going. “It’s hard for me to work, then come home from work and look after my husband and my children,” she said, while trying to hold back tears.
On December 18, 2017 while working on one of the buildings in the University of Guyana compound, Melroy came in to contact with a live GPL wire and received electric shocks which damaged both his hands. As a result, Melroy underwent two surgeries and both his arms were amputated; one around New Year’s Eve, and the other, recently.

Tena and her four children, with representatives from the Education Department at her mother’s home.

At the time of the accident, Melroy and his wife Tena, a teacher at the Clonbrook Primary, were both students at the University of Guyana. Melroy was a first year student reading for a degree in Civil Engineering while Tena, a second year student, was enrolled in the Literacy programme, with hopes to provide a better future for themselves and their four children.
Unfortunately, they were both forced to put their studies on hold to focus on Melroy’s doctor’s appointments, and to find ways to fill the gaps that were once filled by Melroy since he is now unable to work.
Tena now has to constantly take time-off to care for her family because she is now the only one working. “I don’t work as much as I used to and finically, it has been rough on us. Melroy is very determined and his spirit remains high as we contemplate out next move, as you know, we have four children to care for, and that can be a challenge in itself,” she said.

Representative of the Department of Education Region Four Welfare Department, Rhonda Monize presenting some items to Melroy and Tena Pyle

Though the younger children do not quite understand the magnitude of the situation, the oldest of the Pyle children, who is currently preparing to sit the National Grade Six Assessment, has been struggling to focus in school. Her once high grades had dropped significantly. “I don’t get the time to spend with them as I used to,” Tena said, as she explained that her attention has to be shared and it is somewhat difficult for her to spend as much time with her children as she used to.
There has been tremendous support from friends and family since the accident Tena explained. She said since the accident, she has been receiving support, emotionally and finically from her family, teachers from the Clonbrook Primary school and the Department of Education, Region 4.
Recently, Regional Democratic Council, Region 4, Department of Education, through its Welfare Department, reached out to render assistance to the Pyle family.
The Department made a major donation to the family just last week and promised to continue to support the family in any way possible.
A representative from the Welfare Department also promised to assist Melroy’s eldest daughter when she was told about her situation in school.
“We stand committed and ready to grant whatever further assistance and help that you and your family may require and it doesn’t have to be only with regards to finances but if there is anything that you need assistance with please feel free to let us know,” said Shevon Viphys, Welfare Officer within Region Four .
“We at the Department are cognizant and aware that at this stage there are challenges and difficulties confronting you and your family as a result of the accident,” Said added.
“We are more than happy at this stage to lend whatever assistance that we can give to you,” she added.
Both Melroy and Tena plan to return to the University of Guyana to continue their studies once he gets help with the prosthesis.