Lethem store maliciously set on fire – investigators

Officials of the Guyana Fire Service have confirmed that the fire that gutted the famous China Star Supermarket in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on September 3 was maliciously set.
Following the incident, the Fire Service launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and has come to the conclusion of arson.

The supermarket, which was located in Lethem’s commercial zone, was a wooden and concrete building of two floors that was operated as a general store and served as the living quarters of Wuumo Cheng and Wuujian Giun.
The Fire Service had reported that one water tender and crew from the Lethem Fire Station, along with auxiliary firefighters, responded to the scene and with the use of a pressurised fire hydrant, they were able to extinguish the blaze and save several buildings in close proximity to the supermarket.
However, the China Star Supermarket was destroyed, leaving two persons homeless and more than ten persons unemployed.
Despite the efforts of the hundreds of residents who went to assist the owners, the building was completely destroyed, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
The famous China Star Supermarket was a landmark in the commercial zone as the first mega Chinese store built in Lethem.
Only a few days ago, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said crime in Guyana is politicised.
He said that over the past two years, a number of buildings were destroyed by fire, with some being ruled as arson, which he believes was politically motivated.
As such, he condemned buildings being maliciously set on fire, while stating that it is a waste of taxpayers’ monies.
“…most of it has to do with awareness by the population that if we lose particular assets to fire or violence, everybody loses,” he said. (G9)