Cummings Lodge fire victim given emotional send-off

The charred remains of 46-year-old Martin Lewis, who perished in a devasting fire that also claimed the lives of his wife, Beverly Miller and 14-year-old son Dawall Ifill, were laid to rest on Friday in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The deadly fire occurred on June 27 at Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.
As persons assembled on the lawns of the Lewis’ family home, tears trickled down their eyes as friends and family members reflected on the life of Martin Lewis. The casket remained closed throughout the entire funeral service but a photo was placed on it with the face of the once smiling man.
Family members recollected when they received the news of the devastating fire, a memory that will be forever etched in their minds. During the sermon, the pastor asked those present to continue comforting the bereaved family members, especially at this time.
The father of two worked as a miner to provide for his family but his life was prematurely snuffed out when fire engulfed their home. The fire has also left 28 other persons homeless.
Speaking with Guyana Times after the fire, the now dead man’s sister, Coretta Woolford, recalled standing in front of the house plying her trade when she heard someone screaming, “Fire! Fire!”
As she turned around, she noted that the apartment building was on fire and immediately summoned the Guyana Fire Service.
However, upon realising that her brother and his family were trapped in their apartment, other family members attempted to rescue them but were forced to retreat due to the heavy steel grillwork that secured the apartment and the intensity of the heat.
Lewis and his wife were later found hugging each other and their son was found in another section of the house.