THE Guyana Fire Service is investigating the origins of a mid-morning fire on Wednesday at Glasgow Housing Scheme, Greater New Amsterdam.

The fire, alleged to have been set by the mentally unstable relative of the couple who lives on the upper floor of the two-storey wooden building, is believed to have been started around 10:00hrs.

From all accounts, the alleged arsonist, Surdatt Williams, started the fire with dried coconut shells. At the time he did, both his mother, Ms Jean Benjamin, and his stepfather had moments before left to go shopping in New Amsterdam.

Williams’ distraught mum told reporters that she learnt about the fire while on the way to New Amsterdam.
“By de time meh reach, everything destroy; everything we own gone,” the woman said amidst tears.

Her husband, Mr Essie Benjamin, who reported losing in the fire, the firearm for which he is licensed, was also in a state of shock.
“That lil boy does come around here to meet his mother,” he said. “He lil hot-headed and wicked.”

According to 17-year-old Akeela Alexander, the niece of the suspected arsonist, after realising that the house was on fire, she jumped to safety.

Reports are that before the fire, Alexander, who lived on the lower flat, and her uncle were involved in a heated argument, which is perhaps what may have ticked him off.

Neighbours say that the property is owned by the Benjamins.