Arson suspected after Liverpool vendor’s house destroyed by fire

A fire, suspected to be an act of arson, completely destroyed a vendor’s house at Lot 35, Liverpool Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Gavin Cummings, 60, who is also a farmer, told the News Room that he left home around 1:30 a.m. Saturday to sell fruits and vegetables at the Port Mourant market. He received a phone call around 5:00 a.m. informing him that his house was engulfed in flames.

Upon receiving the devastating news, Cummings rushed to investigate. When he arrived at the scene, he found his house completely destroyed.

Cummings reported that the three-bedroom wooden house he had occupied for 50 years was fully furnished, and all of his belongings were lost in the fire. For now, he is staying at a friend’s house until he can figure out his next move.

Cummings mentioned that several weeks ago, his neighbor, Debra Leitch, was involved in a fight with another woman in Lancaster Village. He intervened to stop the fight after seeing Debra beating the other woman.

Cummings said he took the victim to the Whim Police Station to report the incident, which led to the accused being placed before the court.

On October 10, Cummings attended court with both the accused and the victim, where the Magistrate informed Debra that she would be sentenced on Monday, October 13.

Debra was sentenced to one month in prison on Monday for assault causing actual bodily harm.

According to Cummings after the court session, while he was in his garden, Debra reportedly threatened to burn his house down.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald confirmed that the house was maliciously set on fire by person or persons unknown.

The investigation into the fire is ongoing.