An eyewitness to the fire which destroyed two businesses, and partially damaged the famous Penguin International Hotel on Monday, said numerous questions were asked before there was a response from the Guyana Fire Service.
Billy La Bennette, was having his dinner at the receptionist’s desk, of the Penguin Hotel when he heard a crackling sound coming from the building next door. It was just after dusk.
‘I ran out. I saw smoke coming from the centre of the upper flat of the building. I returned inside and shouted. ‘Fire! Fire!’. I returned outside and the smoke was getting bigger. It was extending eastward. I ran inside thrice. On my return outside I observed that the fire was emanating on the southern side, which is closer to Scotia Bank. Soon afterwards, the entire upper building was engulfed.’