Meanwhile, on Sunday April 5, a farmer, in a drunken rage during a domestic quarrel, set his own house on fire at Phase One, Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

The family of three — husband and wife and a relative – were sole occupants of the two-storey building.

The housewife, Christine Isbran was almost killed by her husband, Bo Isbran, who threatened to slit her throat with a cutlass during a row. She was saved when one of her two sons, who reside nearby, intervened.

Bo Isbran then said he wanted to sleep, and locked himself inside the building, leaving his wife outside; but whilst inside, he ignited a blaze which devoured his house.

He was arrested at the scene and taken away by the police. (Michel Outridge)