FIVE persons who are patients at the National Psychiatric Hospital, Fort Canje, New Amsterdam, Berbice, were yet to be found up to press time on Sunday, following a fire of unknown origin at the institution on Saturday, at approximately 21:15 hrs. According to police, enquiries disclosed that the nurse supervisor on duty at the time, Waveney Felix, was in her office when she observed smoke emanating from Chalet Four and shortly after observed patients escaping from Chalet Four.  She, reportedly, immediately informed the New Amsterdam Fire Service and shortly after the Fire Service extinguished the fire. Police reported that several persons comprising the total patient population were questioned. Initially, out of the 19 patients of the institution, only five could have been accounted for. However, due to quick response from the Joint Services and other law enforcement agencies, seven patients were found on Saturday. Two were located and returned to the facility at 10:00hrs on Sunday, leaving five at large.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.