-made three prior attempts
A woman and her grandson, both of Bath Settlement, West Berbice, are now homeless after her son reportedly burnt her house down yesterday.
Sukhranee Prashad
The suspected arsonist was later taken into custody at the Fort Wellington Police Station while Sukhranee Prashad, 77, was still trying to estimate her losses after the furnished three-bedroom wooden and concrete building was destroyed.
In tears, she told Stabroek News, “Me nah have nothing now more than this clothes that me have on.” She said too that she lost her husband less than two months ago and has not even gotten over his death and already has to face another tragedy. Her grandson, Marlon Hoosain, 20, a third-year Computer Science student of the University of Guyana, also lost his books and computer among other items. Meanwhile, at the time of his arrest, Prashad’s unemployed son, Vishnu, 46, was walking into the yard of a friend at Number 11 Village, two villages away. Neighbours related that around 1:30 pm they heard a loud explosion which sounded like it came from a gas bottle and when they looked out they saw the house in flames. Teachers from the nearby Bath Primary School called the fire tenders, which arrived promptly from Onverwagt and Blairmont. But the efforts to save the building proved futile. There was also a back-up tender from the Guyana Fire Service, New Amsterdam.
When this newspaper arrived at the scene, fire-fighters had already finished dousing the building and were conducting investigations. According to Prashad, her son left home around 9:30 am yesterday and returned at midday under the influence of alcohol.
Fire fighters at the scene yeaterday
He started to curse and “behave bad,” she said, adding that she told him not to drink because she is afraid of him then. He continued to curse and Marlon told him “go inside and sleep.” He got angry and brought “a bottle of fire water from the bedroom” and attempted to throw it on the young man. He also picked up a cutlass and threatened to chop him.
At that stage, Prashad said she was afraid her son would burn the house down because of his rage. They were on their way to the police station when they got a report that the house was up in flames. That was the fourth time that the man had set fire to the house. The other times, Prashad said teachers from the school and other persons assisted in putting the flames out. Her kitchen, she said was badly burnt during one of the fires. At one time he also attempted to burn his mother alive by dousing her with kerosene and striking a match. She however, managed to extinguish the fire and escaped from being badly burnt by using a broom to “brush away the fire.”
Prashad explained that Vishnu does not listen to anyone and one day when one of his brothers attempted to talk to him about his behaviour he gave him a severe beating and broke his feet. The woman recalled about three years ago she was forced to flee her house to live at her daughter’s place at Bath Housing Scheme, leaving her husband behind with her son. She tried moving back on one occasion but “when me went to bed me imagine that he would come and kill me and me couldn’t stay there.” While she was away, Vishnu beat his father severely and caused him to suffer a “brain damage” that led to a stroke. After her husband’s death, she returned home hoping that her son would change. He never did and she regretted her decision. She had a few a days of peace lately when the man had to take some antibiotics for an injury to his foot. He could not drink during that time but as soon as the tablets were finished he started again.
Several years ago Vishnu’s wife walked out on him with their two children because of his abusive behaviour. They are now residing in Canada. Prashad said she would be at peace now that her son is locked up and she hopes that he is never let out.
“This shows Guyana at rock bottom.tra la.la la la. How many stories today on crime, mayhem etc? SN, you is my paper….Tra la la la. Gone to the dogs .Two escape to Canada to get way from the hell that is Guyana.. GONE I IS TELL YOU ! Me so happ…….”
I see there is a person who enjoys to jump and prance in the misery of others. Waving the flag of the beautiful island of Barbados as the devil works on your sick mind! Enjoy reading your favourite newspaper as your works are displayed. Your island is doing quite fine!
the true state of affairs in guyana reddy,not window dressing lies and political propoganda that you normally get in the chronicle, stay focas.
Guyana could have a thriving business for psychologists and psychiatrists and psycho pharmacologists.
I think its time dem chap dis get put on some effexor or prozac or something there budday.
This poor mother! This son is the reason she lost her husband (he obviously died from complication of that beating he got) and now her home. Sad case…..but, I really do wish parents would take the necessary steps and acknowledge when children do bad things. How much more does she have to suffer….I bet, she would be the first one in courts begging the judge to have mercy on him….watch and see…..I just know she would.
Wow, this man is really wicked and should be prosecuted to the fullest that the law allows, how could he do that to his own mother, i feel he’s responsible for his father death, he should not be allowed to walk on the streets again, people this is what alcohol do to the mind of some of it’s consumers.
they allow him to continue his ????????????,
Another beast in human form. Why they are tolerated in society, only that society can answer. A mother’s love. A worthless, ungrateful, wicked son. Mom, so sorry.
Hoplessness plus(+) depression plus(+) ALCOHOL equals(=) the “beast in human form”.
Ceasing what does the PPP have to do with this story? come on man behave yourself.
this is rediculous, all these things this man has put his family through,breakin his siblings foot, beating his father,, attempting how many times before to burn the house,, ..my question is did they ever report this matter to the police??
Assault and battery, arson, attempted murder and murder. Why was this man out on the streets?
I am also bewildered!! This sicko murdered his father. Attempted to murder his mother and brother. There were witnesses from the school to the arson. Why was this man out on the streets? Did the police know about this?
He should be held accountable for all these allegations now that he is in police custody. The mother needs to ensure that all appropriate charges are made against him. He should be out to walk the street. Clearly, he is a danger to everyone around him
The news from Guyana is so sickening, we need to have a newspaper called Good Tidings. Lawd, I can’t take it no more.
Me too,OW Lawd kyan tek am no mo.
Stabroek News has achieved its objective with you. They have finally overwhelmed you with the “Bad News”. Regime change is the final goal.
So sorry for aunty Ranee…to go through all of this at her age.
i am so sorry for that woman .but i am so happy she is alive today .that her mad son didnt do anything to her ..i hope the best for her if i was living near to her i would give her some of my help.its hard to see what kids can do to there parent in these day.where is the love an respect.
This is one of many news agents that report from a political stand point not in Guyana’s interest.