There has been a widespread outpouring of love and commendation for the bravery and quick-thinking shown by seven-year-old Kissan Henry after she managed to save herself and her four-year-old brother from a fire while they were at home alone.
In recognition of her bravery, the Guyana Police Force on Saturday presented her with a plaque and a bottle of perfume. The simple presentation was done by Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Paul Williams, on behalf of the Commissioner and other members of the Force.
“The Force has recognised her bravery and brilliant thinking from a humanitarian standpoint at such a tender age.”
This initiative was the brainchild of Crime Chief Paul Williams.
Last Monday evening, Kissan and her younger brother were asleep in their two-storey Glasgow New Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, home when a fire erupted.
However, the seven-year-old was awakened by the smell of smoke and after realising the house was on fire, she immediately wrapped her brother in a blanket and eased him through a window as far as the blanket could reach and then dropping him the remaining six feet.
She then followed by jumping through the window; 14-feet to the ground, fracturing her leg in the process. Kissan then screamed for help and neighbours rushed over, kicking open the door to get to the fire. The fire service subsequently arrived and was able to extinguish the small blaze.
At the time of the fire, the Police said the mother of the two children was at a “drug block”. Neighbours claimed they contacted the woman, informing her about the fire and she said she was on her way. By the time the mother arrived, the Police and fire service were already on the scene. After seeing the crowd, the woman reportedly told the driver to turn around and leave the area. On Wednesday, she showed up to the Police station in the company of a welfare officer.
According to residents, the two minor children are left unattended and locked in the house for several hours on many occasions.
A few months ago, the four-year-old boy was hospitalised after being burnt with hot portage when his sister attempted to make breakfast for him.
The Childcare Department had visited the home after reports of child neglect. However, on the last occasion, they allowed the children to continue living with their mother after the children’s grandmother had promised to take care of them.
The children are now in the care of an aunt.
