QUICK response by members of the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Fire Service resulted in the quelling of fires deliberately set along the two main thoroughfares of New Amsterdam.
Around 19:00hrs, unknown persons started a fire at Main and Shoe Lane, an act which seems to copycat similar scenes occurring across other locations in the Berbice region.
Following reports of a fire at Main and Shoe Lane, firefighters were mobilised and they quickly extinguished the flames which damaged the road surface. While they were doing so, a report of a fire at Republic Road in the vicinity of National Insurance scheme surfaced.
As a result, the ranks of the Guyana Police Force joined and efforts were made to apprehend the perpetrators.
However, the unknown group moved to Main and Charles Place, in the vicinity of the area which once ‘accommodated’ the old New Amsterdam Hospital and another fire was set.
It was during this period warning shots were fired and youths, including females were seen scampering through the cross streets. They were pursued by ranks on foot but none was apprehended. However, an unconfirmed report stated that someone was shot and was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital. Shortly after 20:00hrs, members of the Guyana Defence Force joined the police to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, onlookers, particularly the middle-aged and the elderly were overheard condemning the destructive actions, which can have a negative effect on all citizens.
“When they damage the road, who will have to live with it….This town is a peaceful place and such acts must not be tolerated,” said Mayor Winifred Heywood in an invited comment.
