Tue 6 Dec 2016 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The owner of Pulse Nightclub, the location of the Orlando gay club shooting massacre earlier this year, has decided not to sell the property to the City of Orlando. Last month it had been announced that the city would buy the property for US$2.25 million and create a memorial there to the 49 people who died when a gunman went on a rampage. But owner Barbara Poma, who set up the business after her brother died due to HIV/AIDS, says she can't just walk away from the space. "I feel a personal obligation to ensure that a permanent space at Pulse be created so that all generations to come will remember those affected by, and taken on, June 12th," she says. "I intend to create a space for everyone, a sanctuary of hope, and a welcoming area to remember all those affected by the tragedy. I plan to do that directly with the involvement of the communities impacted by this tragedy, the families of the victims and any private or public sector individuals or organizations who wish to assist. We must do this together as a community. "I hope the love and support we have seen through this time from around the world and here at home will continue as we join together to build a place to memorialize our Angels." A fund set up to financially help the families and survivors of the massacre has already disbursed US$27 million. It has been used to cover the cost of medical treatments and for other expenses associated with the tragedy.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 6th December 2016 - 9:24am