A NEWLY built house in the isolated farming community of David James Scheme on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, was on Monday reduced to ashes in a deadly fire that claimed the lives of a 29-year-old woman and her three-year-old son, as police investigate a suspected case of arson.

The tragedy has left the community searching for answers, with the woman’s common-law husband now in police custody after being apprehended in connection with the incident.

The deceased have been identified as Donnett Albert and her young son, Keron Latchman.

Residents said they became aware of the fire only after hearing about the incident, but by the time they reached the location, the house was already engulfed in flames, leaving little opportunity for intervention.

“We just heard and we came to see. We know nothing, but they recently built this house,” one resident recalled.

Information gathered from the community indicated that the couple had recently constructed the house and were residing on a long stretch of land surrounded by forest and farmland.

During a visit to the scene, remnants of the family’s belongings could be seen, including clothing believed to belong to the toddler and a pair of slippers lying on the ground, a heartbreaking reminder of the young life lost in the blaze.

Some residents made claims about the man’s alleged cannabis use in the community, but it remains unclear whether this has any connection to the incident. Investigators have not established a motive.

The Guyana Fire Service in a release said its officers responded to a report of a house on fire at David James Housing Scheme, Charity, Essequibo Coast.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a two-storey wooden building fully engulfed in flames.

“Firefighters immediately went into action, employing swift and coordinated efforts to bring the blaze under control.

During the emergency response, firefighters received reports that two occupants were trapped inside the burning building.

Following the successful extinguishment of the fire, firefighters conducted a thorough search of the premises, which led to the tragic discovery of the charred remains of 20-year-old Donette Albert and three-year-old Keiron Latchan,” the release said.
It added that the GFS deeply mourns this tragic loss of life and extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, and loved ones of the deceased during this extremely difficult time.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

This publication understands that the wooden structure measured approximately eight metres by seven metres and stood on columns about two metres high. The exterior was covered with corrugated metal sheets.

Following the tragedy the woman’s common-law husband was apprehended by police and up to press time was in police custody.

Police are expected to establish the events leading to the fire, the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether anyone will face formal charges.

The deaths of the young mother and her toddler have cast a dark shadow over the community as residents await answers about the circumstances that turned a recently built family house into the scene of a double tragedy.