Cuban doctors presently housed at guest house

Mabaruma inferno

Following a devastating fire at Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), which gutted the living quarters of three doctors on Monday, the Cuban nationals are currently being housed at a private guest house.

The doctors’ quarters in flames on Monday

This was according to Regional Health Officer, Dr Stephen Cheefoon on Tuesday who also revealed that an investigation has been launched into the origin and cause of the fire.
However, he noted that the doctors have been provided with the necessary personal items in order to continue executing their duties at the hospital. The fire reportedly started at about 11:15h on Monday. No one was in the building at the time.

Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Stephen Cheefoon

In a report to the Public Health Ministry, Dr Cheefoon noted that there were no casualties, however, all of the doctors’ belongings along with household furniture and appliances were lost in the fire.
“The building was at the time being rented by the Regional Administration, Region One, on an annual contract,” the RHO added.
He, nevertheless, related that the Regional Executive Officer (REO) has requested a thorough investigation into the fire. As such, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle has agreed to send an investigator to probe the circumstances surrounding the fire.
In addition, the police were ordered to secure the site to facilitate the investigation.
In the past few days, almost one fire has been reported every day, leaving numerous persons homeless. On Saturday last, the charred remains of Beverly Miller, 40; Martin Lewis, 46, and their 14-year-old teen son Dawall Ifill were found after a fire suspected to be arson devastated an apartment complex at 6th Street Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD). A total of 28 persons were also left homeless due to the inferno.
On the same day, a family of three was also left homeless after a fire ravaged their one-storey Lot 197 Section A Field Seven South Sophia, Greater Georgetown wooden home.
Meanwhile, on Friday, millions of dollars in furniture and equipment were destroyed when the ND&S furniture store and factory, located at Gap Road, La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara (WCD), went up in flames.
In addition, an 81-year-old Kingston pensioner was left to make alternative living arrangements after a fire swept through his house last week.