POLICE are investigating the circumstances involving the suspected poisoning of a family of four of Number 64 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne.

Nikita Moniz, 26; her husband, Trevor Moniz, 28; and their two children, ages one and five,  fell ill and had to be rushed to the Skeldon Hospital on Monday evening after consuming water that they filled to drink.

So far, the couple and their five-year-old were treated and kept for observation, but were later discharged on Wednesday. However, the condition of their one-year-old has been listed as critical.

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle, Nikita, who was still at the bedside of her son, said she is very worried as he is still experiencing shortness of breath, fever and trembling.

The police have visited the hospital and took statements from the family.

The mother strongly believes that her family was “poisoned” by persons known to her. In tears, she said if people wanted to hurt her or her husband, she would understand but not her children as she cannot bear to see them “punishing”.

She wants justice and for the authorities to get to the bottom of the incident.

On Monday afternoon, the family filled a container with water from a nearby source and shortly after consuming the water, they began feeling nauseous, vomiting and in pain.

According to a source, medical officials did not confirm the cause of the illness as poisoning but said the water is expected to be tested earliest.