Corentyne woman homeless after fire guts building

A woman is now homeless after a fire destroyed her house at Salton Village, Corentyne, Berbice, on Friday evening while she was away; an incident she believes may be linked to a long-standing dispute with the caretaker attached to the property.
The fire victim, Samantha Crawford, told this publication that she and a friend left the house at around 19:30h and were not at home when the blaze broke out.
“When we came back, the fire was in the whole house,” Crawford recalled, describing the devastation she encountered upon returning.
“Everything was burning,” she added.

Crawford said she believes the fire started near the front door and claimed that prior threats were made by a man who has been associated with the property for decades. According to her, the individual had been a caretaker, whose primary responsibility was to groom the horses, and had lived there with her late husband for more than 20 years.
She alleged that before leaving the house on Friday, the man told her he only had “nine days” left at the premises and threatened that he would see her leave the home.
Asked what may have led to the dispute, Crawford claimed jealousy played a role following the death of her husband. She said she had lived alone for about two years after his passing and suggested the relationship between herself and the caretaker became strained during that period.
“He wanted me to take him after my husband died,” she explained.
Crawford said she is now seeking justice, noting that the incident has left her without a home and struggling to rebuild her life.
“I just want some sort of justice,” she said.
She has also indicated that she is open to assistance from members of the public who may be willing to help her rebuild following the fire.
Persons wishing to make contact with Samantha Crawford or offer assistance can do so by calling 610-1301.
Meanwhile, Police have since arrested one person in relation to the fire, while the fire department is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.