A troubling turn of events has emerged surrounding the fire that ravaged the Outreach Ministries International – Winners’ Cathedral in Georgetown. Initially believed to have been caused by an electrical malfunction, authorities have since concluded that the blaze was an act of arson. The revelation follows a thorough analysis of video surveillance footage, which pinpointed a hooded individual entering the premises shortly before the fire ignited around 05:00 hours. The Guyana Fire Service is now collaborating with the Guyana Police Force in the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The blaze, which occurred around 05:20 hours on June, prompted an immediate response from the Guyana Fire Service. Firefighting crews swiftly arrived on the scene to find the two-storey structure consumed by flames. Despite the destructive nature of the fire, fortunately, there were no injuries or displacements.
The Church Hall, owned by Bishop Juan Edghill, who serves as the Minister of Public Works in the current Peoples Progressive Party government, sustained extensive damage, both to its framework and interior. A coordinated effort involving 18 firefighters was employed, utilising two jets to combat the flames. Officers S/L Watts, S/L Devent, L/FM Roberts, and L/FM Thompson led the response team as they battled the fire to prevent further devastation.
Investigations conducted by fire authorities initially pointed to a malfunctioning light bulb that sparked and ignited nearby combustible materials. Bishop Edghill expressed sorrow over the significant structural loss but expressed gratitude that no one was harmed in either incident. “I’m just relieved that there were no injuries,” he stated, underscoring the importance of safety measures in preventing such occurrences.
