GPHC fire another in a string of ‘highly suspicious’ events – Benn

Over the past few months, several public institutions have been damaged or destroyed by fire and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn says that the latest fire at the Georgetown Public Hospital raises eyebrows yet again.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been an act of arson since the destroyed laboratory was drenched in an unknown oil-like substance.

At the scene hours after the fire had been brought under control by members of the Guyana Fire Service, Benn confirmed that preliminary investigations from both the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force indicate that the fire could have been intentionally started.

And Benn pointed out that the fire started at a time where people’s vigilance may have been reduced. The fire was reported at around 05:20hrs on New Year’s morning.

He said that the suspected arson was an attack on sick people already in distress and he condemned the actions.

Importantly, however, he pointed out that this suspected arson attempt seems similar to other incidents that have occured at other public institutions like the Brickdam police station and the Mabaruma secondary school.

“… a definite pattern has been established where fires of a highly suspicious nature related to acts of arson have been experienced,” he stated.

As officers continue their investigations into the hospital fire and whether it may be connected to other arson attempts, Benn called on public and private organisations to improve their vigilance and to implement fire protection plans.