By Mark DaCosta- A devastating fire struck a series of residential buildings on James Street in Albouystown, Georgetown, last week, displacing approximately 30 individuals, including six families now left homeless. The inferno ignited shortly after 2:30 PM, rapidly engulfing five houses before firefighters arrived on the scene. There have been growing concerns about the timeliness and effectiveness of the Guyana Fire Service’s response, raising critical questions about fire safety in our nation.
As the flames consumed homes, anguished residents voiced their frustrations regarding the apparent delay of the fire service, asserting that prompt action could have lessened the damage. A single mother, Alisha Farnan, recounted the heart-wrenching moment she learned that her home was ablaze while she was at work. “I didn’t get to save anything… everything gone. I didn’t get to save nothing for my children,” she lamented, capturing the profound loss felt within the community.
An eye-witness, Nekita, shared her experience as residents frantically attempted to combat the fire with buckets of water, prior to the fire brigade’s arrival. She recalled an urgent race against time to rescue a woman and her child trapped inside one of the homes. “It had a set of rubbish in front of the yard and the rubbish catch and started the fire. Everything burn up,” she said, highlighting the risks posed by poor waste management and the lack of proactive measures.
The blaze reportedly originated from a yard, believed to be occupied by individuals described as “junkies,” who were burning garbage. This negligence ignited catastrophic consequences for nearby residents. That afternoon, property owner Mohamed, who bore the brunt of the loss with two buildings destroyed, estimated damages in the millions. Another tenant, Derrick “Fred” Sharples, mourned the loss of his savings and valuables, exclaiming, “all my lil money, I was saving fuh buy a car, all that money burn up in there.”
Divisional Officer Otis Charles of the Guyana Fire Service admitted that upon arrival, the conditions were already critical, stating that one building was fully engulfed while another had begun to burn. Although firefighters commenced their efforts, many residents feel that this response was tragically delayed and inadequate.
In stark contrast to the fire service’s performance, the swift action displayed by the opposition party’s leader, Azruddin Mohamed, was commendable. He wasted no time in visiting the scene, assessing the damage, and offering support, standing in solidarity with the affected families. His immediate involvement is a testament to the role of responsible leadership in times of crisis, contrasting sharply with the apparent inaction of the ruling government.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, alongside Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Human Services Minister Vindhya Persaud, also visited the stricken area, but their presence may feel too little too late for those suffering the consequences of the disaster. Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission swiftly activated a shelter at the Six Head Lewis Gym to accommodate the displaced, providing necessary housing and essentials, which is a crucial step in alleviating the immediate challenges faced by those uprooted from their homes.
Unfortunately, while assistance and shelter are vital, the overarching question remains: why was the fire service so unprepared? When will the authorities ensure that our citizens are properly protected from such calamities? It is disheartening to witness the bureaucracy’s deficiencies when lives and livelihoods are at stake.
The tragedy in Albouystown serves as a grim reminder that our nation must demand accountability and preparedness from our institutions, especially those tasked with protecting our communities. As the affected families begin the arduous path to recovery, let us hope that their plight spurs a renewed commitment to ensuring safety and support for all citizens, rather than merely witnessing the aftermath of systemic neglect.
