Suspected arson at Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice resulted in major losses when a two-flat, three-bedroom house belonging to rice farmers was completely destroyed around 10:15 pm on Saturday.

Shawn Nedd, 39, who resided at the house with his brother Troy Nedd and his sister-in-law, Anita Nedd, said he had gotten married earlier in the day in Georgetown and the family was still celebrating when they got a call about the fire around 10:30 pm.

He said when they arrived at the scene just before midnight, the building was already burnt and they “lost everything,” including “money, jewellery, an American passport, home theatre and three computers.”

He said residents told him the fire tender from the Blairmont Sugar Estate arrived about one hour later but they were unable to do anything as they could not access water. A member of the fire department also visited the scene yesterday to carry out investigations.

He also learnt that a resident heard a loud “boom!” and when he looked around he saw someone jumping from the landing of the house. The resident also said “gasoline was smelling high.” The resident initially thought the sound was coming from a passing minibus.

Anita, an American citizen said “there would be no Christmas for anyone.” She said during a recent visit to America she posted barrels and boxes with goodies and presents to share out at this time.

Looking around at the wreck, she told this newspaper she tried to make the home “as comfortable as possible and now it is all gone.” But quickly consoling herself she said, “Things we can replace