By Newsday Staff Thursday, March 7 2013

The birth of the country’s first sextuplets has come as a joyful surprise for the people of Arima and Chaguanas, after it was learnt that the father and mother live in the two boroughs.

Speaking with Newsday yesterday residents congratulated the parents of the six babies — Keron Cummings, 29, who lives in Arima, and Petra Lee Foon, 28, of Chaguanas — and wished them only the best.

Businesswoman Ingrid Granger, of Arima, said the whole country should give their support to the young couple and their three boys and three girls.

“Knowing now that they are in our community, that they are Arimians, we must now know what we could do to help. But it does not matter, if they are from Arima, Port-of-Spain or wherever, they are Trinidadian, and they should be supported,” said Granger.

Phoebe Dalgobin, also a businesswoman, thought it was great to know that someone from Arima was so lucky. She said, “It was a nice surprise. It is a nice thing, but I don’t know if it is possible in these times to raise so many children. Once they are financially secure and can afford to support those children, I am happy for them. I wish them well.”

University student Candice Churman, of Arima, said she felt happy for the couple.“I wish them well. Good luck to the parents,” she said.

The people of Chaguanas are equally proud to claim their moment in history since Lee Foon, the babies’ mother, is from their community.

“It is an exciting feeling to be a part of such of an historic event,” said Jason Cuffy and Sharon Nurse, both of Enterprise.

Felicity resident Jason Abiraj and Tamara Gunness, of Endeavour, both said the six babies are “a blessing to this country.”

And as Cummings, the babies’ father have asked for, Yvonne Mieux, of St Andrews Park, Chaguanas, promised to keep praying for them and their mother. “I feel good, my prayers are with babies and family. And I hope they receive the support and assistance from the Government,” she said.