Grandson torches grandmother’s Essequibo Coast home; 2 houses destroyed

…11 homeless

A devastating fire, reportedly set by a relative, has left a Good Hope family homeless after two wooden houses were completely destroyed, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. The blaze occurred between 03:30h and 04:25h on Saturday, at Lot 368 Good Hope, Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam). At the time, nine persons were inside the back house, while 74-year-old Narima Hamilan, called “Aunty Mom”, was alone in the front house. The back house in the yard, owned by Narima Hamilan’s son, Mohamed Hamilan, was occupied by his wife, five children, and grandchildren. Mohamed Hamilan, a security guard, was at work when the fire erupted. According to Mohamed Hamilan, called “Soap Power”, the fire was allegedly set by his nephew, of Good Hope. He explained that the young man arrived at the home sometime around 02:00h and requested entry. However, the grandmother Hamilan reportedly refused to open the door, telling him to leave due to his alleged drug habit.

It is alleged that, after being denied entry, Khan proceeded to set fire to furniture on the verandah, including a chair and table. The flames quickly spread, engulfing both structures. Narima was rescued by a relative from the back house before the structure was completely destroyed and was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment.
Despite efforts by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) to contain the blaze, the fire had already consumed the buildings by the time it was brought under control. Nothing was salvaged. Mohamed Hamilan expressed distress over the incident, noting that the family had worked tirelessly to build and furnish their home, only to see it reduced to ashes within minutes. He estimated the damage to the two buildings at approximately $6 million. “This land we’re on, we have been renting it for over 21 years… we worked very hard to build these houses to make us comfortable, and in just a few minutes, everything is gone. It’s heartbreaking and very sad for us. We need assistance to build back our homes so we can live comfortable with our family again,” he said.
Now displaced, the family are appealing to the Government and the public for assistance in rebuilding a safe and comfortable home so they can begin to recover from the tragedy. The family can be reached on telephone number (592) 764-4265.
Police have since launched an investigation and are searching for the suspect.