A 53-year- old single mother of two of Lot 58 Clifton Village, East Berbice, Corentyne, is counting her losses after her home was destroyed by fire on Wednesday. The blaze also destroyed a nearby building.

Sunita Jagdeo told Guyana Chronicle that she was asleep when her daughter alerted her that the house was on fire. Jagdeo also shares the home with her 42-year-old brother and operates a small shop, selling soft-drinks and snacks.

The woman related that at approximately 11:20 hrs, she was awakened by loud sounds and upon investigation, found a section of the house engulfed in flames.

The mother and her two children immediately sought safety and raised an alarm as neighbours and relatives formed a bucket brigade as they awaited the arrival of the fire tender.

“Meh run out and shout for neighbour ‘all yuh come help meh, house ah bun
down’. Some of them neighbour come out and start throw water and one
called the fire brigade, but the house catch fast and we couldn’t save anything,” Jagdeo said.

She went on to say that as they began dousing the house which was completely engulfed, a second house located in the yard caught fire and at that point, the attention was turned to saving the other house.

Clothing and other household articles were saved from the second building. When this publication visited the scene, smoke was still emanating from the debris.

Jagdeo estimated her losses at over $5M and is contemplating her next move.

On Thursday, she purchased goods to restock her shop. Her small shop, which is situated at the front of the yard, was saved.

Jagdeo is seeking help from the public to get back on her feet. Anyone desirous of assisting the poor woman can contact her on cellphone number 644-1651.