Overseas-based Guyanese among two families devastated by Rose Hall Town fire

An overseas-based Guyanese man is among two families who suffered significant losses in a destructive fire that occurred on Sunday.

Joseph Woodee, 72, residing at Lot 295 Fourth Street in Rose Hall Town, stated that around 11:00 hrs, while watching television, he detected the smell of smoke. Hearing neighbors shouting alerted him to the unfolding crisis. Despite his arthritis hindering swift movement, Woodee managed to evacuate the upper flat of his home.

The wooden building, consisting of three bedrooms, housed a tenant couple in the lower flat.

Unfortunately, Woodee was unable to save any belongings; the fire consumed all his documents and cash.

The Rose Hall Town Fire Station, conveniently located nearby, was contacted, and firefighters quickly responded to the scene.

Woodee, who has been living in the United States came to Guyana in January 2025 and had intended to return on March 30.

Reflecting on the incident, he stated,

“It is my worst vacation I have had.”

Neighboring him, Paster Jerry Alexander, 68, also experienced profound loss. He and his wife, Rosaline Alexander, 75, along with their daughter and granddaughter, lef their home at Lot 294 to attend church service before 09:00 hrs.

Just a few hours later, Pastor Jerry received devastating news that his house was engulfed in flames. Upon arrival, he witnessed his property, a combination of wood and concrete with three bedrooms, completely ablaze.

He estimates their losses at $20 million.

The Alexander family is currently navigating their next steps.

“So far we are just trusting God because we serving a mighty God; a God who hears and answers prayers; a God who supplies our needs according to the riches of his glory. So, we trust in him,” Pastor Jerry said.

Having occupied the property for over 40 years, Pastor Jerry expressed the emotional toll.

“It’s hard, devastating. But God will come through for us. It’s better you lose material things than life. Thank God and that is what he said in his world in everything, give thanks. We thanking him for life,” Pastor Jerry said.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald confirmed to the News Room that the fire originated from Pastor Jerry’s property. Investigations indicate that the cause was electrical in nature.