Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage was torched

Nov 11, 2018 News

The ruins Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage

By- Tracey T. Squires
Investigations into the recent fire at the Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage at Oleander Gardens, on the East Coast of Demerara, have determined that the building was deliberately set ablaze.
Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, explained to Kaieteur News that the fire, which was set intentionally, originated on the bottom flat of the eastern side of the building. The report has been handed over to the police and an investigation is currently ongoing.
The orphanage, which was reduced to ashes on October 20, last, once housed 18 persons— 17 girls and 59-year old caretaker, Shanti Pooran.
It was around six in the morning, when Pooran was alerted by an orphan, that smoke was emanating from the prayer room, which was located on the upper flat of the building.
Pooran raised an alarm then evacuated all the girls safely. Onlookers rendered assistance by contacting the Fire Service and the Police force.
Currently, the girls are being housed at the boys’ orphanage on Alexander Street, Kitty, after receiving aid from the Ministry of Social Protection.
According to initial reports, the fire was not of electrical origin. The Fire Chief concluded that the blaze was deliberately set.

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