By Naomi Marshall
THE mother of 22-year-old Kelvin Croal, who allegedly set his Linden home on fire on Sunday, is urging the authorities to help find psychological treatment for her son.
According to Croal’s mother, Genel Smith, her son began acting strange some years back which led her to think that he was mentally ill. In an interview, Smith stated that his behaviour became out of control which resulted in Croal breaking all the windows of their Second Alley Wismar home and throwing kerosene around the house in the past, but the woman kept hoping that her only child who was receiving treatment from a psychiatrist would get better.

The 39-year-old mother told the Guyana Chronicle that, on Sunday, her son experienced a mental breakdown. She said she and five other persons who occupied the home felt very unsafe with his violent chatter and actions. At 18:00 hrs Smith called Croal’s father for help.

“I was calling to get assistance from his father who was at work and he (the father) said he cannot come and left his job. He said he got on to the police so they can keep him in the lock up until he calms down and they said that they are coming,” Smith said.

After feeling like help was not coming, Smith decided to send the other occupants of the house to spend the night at other family members. She then locked the house up and locked herself in her shop where she planned on spending the remainder of the night.
“I calling from 7 and I ain’t get no assistance. After I see he start acting up and left I come outside and lock up the whole house. Brought a mattress in the shop and I was going to sleep in there. Whoever went in the house I send them away to stay the night at different locations cause how he was behaving looked dangerous,” Smith told Guyana Chronicle.
At about 22:00 hrs Smith heard her son calling for her but she did not answer. She was then informed by neighbours that her son jumped through a window and went into the house. Minutes after she saw the wires connected to the house sparking followed by her son jumping out of the house through the window. This is when Smith noticed fire engulfing the three-bedroom partially wooden and concrete house. The fire station was immediately contacted.

Though the fire fighters were unable to save the house from being completely destroyed, they managed to contain the blaze. No one was hurt during the fire. Kelvin, however, was apprehended by the police and investigations are ongoing.

“We lost everything in the house. The police take a good time before they reach because when they reach it was after the fire wheel reach and the fire wheel take long too so nothing could not get saved. In a time like this it is really hard for me,” Smith said.
The emotional mother added, “I wish if he could go to a mental institution in Berbice or wherever so they could help him, I’m asking for help.” Persons interested in making contributions of any kind to Smith and her family can call 6681814.