Government to provide assistance to Pike Street fire victims

March 7, 2018

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DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, March 7, 2018

The Government through the Ministry of Social Protection will be providing support to approximately seven (7) families who are now homeless after an early morning fire which completely destroyed four homes, at Pike Street, Kitty.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally comforting one of the victims, Janette Browne.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, who visited the area to assess the damage earlier today, comforted the residents who are now counting their losses. She was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry Keith Scott and other officials from the ministry.

Minister Ally explained that her office is collaborating with the Guyana Relief Council and other organisations to prepare hampers and other items for the affected families, and individuals, to assist in their rebuilding process.

The Social Protection Minister told the victims that she was saddened by the news this morning; however, she was happy that no lives were lost. She also promised to engage the Mayor and City Council to help remove the remains of the destroyed buildings.

In the interim, Minister Ally handed over some clothing items to the families. One of the victims, 69-year-old Janette Browne said she is now lodging with a neighbour and all that she has left are ‘the clothes on her back’.

Firefighters were summoned to the scene just after 3:30 hours this morning when the fire was spotted in one of the wooden houses. The first structure was quickly engulfed and by the time firemen arrived, a second house was on fire. It is unclear what triggered the morning blaze and investigations are underway to determine this.

The Guyana Fire Service is urging homeowners and others to buy and keep at least one all-purpose fire extinguisher, to fight any initial fires that may occur.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes also visited and provided comfort to the residents this morning. Minister Broomes invited some of the victims, a single mother and her children to her home, where she prepared breakfast for them.