– Cuban doctors currently housed at guest house

THE authorities are investigating a fire of unknown origin which destroyed the living quarters of three Cuban doctors at Mabaruma on Monday.

This was disclosed by Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr. Stephen Cheefoon on Tuesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported. The DPI said that in his report to the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Cheefoon noted that the fire began late on Monday morning and he received word that the building was on fire around 11:30hrs. No one was in the building at the time, thus there were no casualties; however, all of the doctors’ belongings along with household furniture and appliances were lost in the fire. The building was at the time being rented by the regional administration, Region One, on an annual contract.

The region has responded promptly and currently houses the doctors at a private guest house in the town, with the necessary personal items provided for the doctors to continue to execute their duties at the hospital and this includes clothes, etc. Further, Dr. Cheefoon’s report stated that “The regional executive officer engaged the fire chief and a decision was made to have the fire chief send an investigator to review this situation on 30 June 2020.

The police were informed to secure the site to be investigated.” Officials and other personnel have been cooperating to ensure a prompt investigation is facilitated to determine the origin of the fire. A subsequent report will be provided, the RHO said. (DPI)