…escaped during chase by police constable

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are investigating the suspected arson which occurred in the wee hours of Sunday morning at the Umana Yana at Kingston Georgetown.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that a female rank of GPF was on duty when she observed a man, who has not yet been identified, scaling the north-eastern fence of the compound with what appeared to be a bottle in his hand. The man was subsequently seen running to the to the western side of the building where he set the lower branches to the roof of the Umana Yana on fire. The constable in an attempt to apprehend the man and put out the fire, ran in his direction and used a fire extinguisher to put out the small flames. However, the suspect made good his escape on foot in the eastern direction away from the building.

According to information received the incident was immediately reported, and an investigation was launched leading ranks to now be in search of a (GWW) series Pick-Up which was said to be parked North on High Street, Kingston moments after the fire.
When contacted the Fire Chief Marlon Gentle disclosed that the incident is now the third recorded case of attempted arson, the first being the torching of well-known Journalist Travis Chase’s car and second the attempted arson at the Suddie Magistrates’ Court last week where arsonists had set fire to the Magistrates’ desk and chair.

In September 2014, the Umana Yana was gutted by a fire believed to be of electrical origin. It was later rebuilt with additional modern features in 2015.