CHUNILALL Basdeo, 61, of 1103 Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice is contemplating his next move after his home was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin yesterday at about 11:00 hrs.Basdeo told the Guyana Chronicle that he was alerted to the blaze by his 10-year-old granddaughter who lives with him. The child reportedly smelled something burning and raised an alarm. On checking, he noticed smoke emanating from a bedroom in the upper flat of his home, which he said was furnished with all modern amenities. He estimates his loss to be in the millions.

The elderly man said he raised an alarm, but the fire spread quickly. Neighbours called the fire service, and though they arrived promptly, they could not control the blaze.

“I don’t know how the fire started, because nobody does go upstairs or live there. Me just smell something burning, and like it happen so fast,” he said.

Basdeo, who makes a living by selling produce from his kitchen garden, said he is devastated at his losses. One of his brothers has since offered him a place to stay.