Social Protection Ministry assists Black Bush Polder fire victims

By Andrew Carmichael

Rice farmer Marvin Duncan, 78, and his wife Claudette, 65, operators of a grocery store and liquor parlour at Lot 35 ‘A’ Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder Corentyne that was a week ago destroyed by fire, have been given much needed assistance towards getting back on their feet when the Ministry of Social Protection, on Friday last, donated to them building materials and household items.
The Guyana Fire Service has confirmed that the fire resulted from arson, and the Police have since arrested one man.

The Social Protection Ministry’s Difficult Circumstances Unit donated to the elderly couple supplies such as beds, bed-spreads and pillows, stove, food items and cleaning detergents and clothing.  These items were handed over to the couple by Technical Officer Mabiola Howard on behalf of Social Protection Minister Amna Ally.
Meanwhile, the Region Six Regional Administration has already assisted by providing materials to commence reconstruction of the house, and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) group has committed to providing labour and additional supplies.
Speaking with Guyana Times, Duncan said the fire burnt cash (savings) he had at home at the time, so he is very happy for the assistance.
“This donation means a lot to us because we are left penniless. We had some money and it burn up in the fire, so I must be thankful for what the Ministry of Social Protection has given us, and I am happy because they have promised that they will continue to support us until the construction is finished,” he expressed.
According to PNCR Regional Chairperson Kurt Fraser, the party would ensure that Duncan has a new house in time for Christmas.
Despite the donation, the Duncan family still has some needs which the patriarch says are a matter of desperation. “We need pots, plates and a stove,” he said, while his wife added that the list included clothing and utensils to wash in. She explained that, over the past week, it has been very difficult to cope with the new conditions which have been forced upon them.
“Sometimes I am sad, and it is the grandchildren who does tell me ‘don’t cry’. But when I think of what happen, ah can’t help (crying),” she revealed as she broke down in tears.
Duncan had said he believes that someone entered the lower flat of the building and started the fire. He had in mind a suspect whom he previously asked to desist from selling to the youths an illegal drug in the community. On the morning of the fire, Duncan said, that same man was at a bus shed when he and his wife were leaving for the market, at about 7:30h.
“The Fire Service came and investigate and they took away samples. I told the fireman that the fire started at the back, and he said, ‘Yes’, and he took me and show me and he told me that the door was opened about six to eight inches, and he show me where he cut the padlock. He said the fire start right in front of the door and catch on the wall right there.”
According to Duncan, evidence revealed that someone entered the yard by climbing over the back fence. He also explained that the perpetrator left other evidence.
Police have since arrested one person, who is currently on station bail as the investigation continues.