Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashleigh Jackson was rescued from his burning Republic Park, East Bank Demerara home around mid-day yesterday after a fire of unknown origin gutted a section of the building.
Jackson, 90, resided in the two-storey Jackson Avenue, Republic Park, EBD house alone. The fire is said to have started around 12.15pm at the back of the building.
Reports are that a neighbour was in her yard when she noticed smoke emanating from Jackson’s house and immediately raised an alarm.
The woman then reportedly called out for Jackson but got no answer. As a result, residents forced their way into the building. Jackson was rescued and had to be taken to a city hospital for smoke inhalation.
Quick action by members of the Guyana Fire Service managed to prevent the fire from spreading.
Among those present at the fire scene were former leader of the opposition People’s National Congress (PNC) Robert Corbin and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally.
An investigation has since been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
Jackson served as the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister from the period of 1978 to 1990 under the PNC administration.
