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The fire occurred around 02:00hrs on December 25 at Zella’s Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden living quarters.

In a press release, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) had said that upon arrival at the scene, firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the bottom floor of the building.

The bodies of the girls, 8 and 16, and their aunt was discovered in the bathroom area of the house.

Sixteen-year-old Angelique and eight-year-old Ronika had accompanied their mother, Onika Lawrence to the mining town to spend time with their relatives for the Christmas holiday.

In an interview with the News Room, Onika said Zella collected the children on Saturday and took them to her place so they could enjoy the holidays.

“My third daughter…came to me and said that Angelique and Ronika gone with aunt Kezzy…that is when I know they left…I said is they aunt and they will come back in the morning,” Onika said.

Around 02:00hrs Christmas morning, her other sister received a call informing her of the fire at Zella’s place.

“She start panicking….I said let me go get my phone and call. When I called Kezzy first, the call didn’t connect…I start calling my daughter phone but it keep ringing out…I said if it was a fire the phones wouldn’t have been ringing,” Onika related.

According to Onika, they decided to venture to the Zella’s place.

Upon arrival, she said she noticed the fire tender and police vehicle at the scene.

“When I got there the house was in complete darkness….I notice the police and firemen there…Everybody just in the yard. I tried to approach the officers and they stopped me,” she said.

Up to that point, Onika told the News Room that she had hope that they were in the building and was waiting to be rescued.

“I waited and waited until some other police came…They went in…I noticed a lil while after the hearse came and then is when I realised that they gone,” she added.

Onika said that the incident had left her devastated.

“It’s very hard at this moment….I never imagined that we come up to spend Christmas with the family and I woulda just lose my kids and my sister,” she cried.

Monedderlust FC

Despite Tabatinga’s spirited efforts at a comeback, with another goal from DaSilva in the 75^th minute and a strike from Victor Peres in the 85^th minute, Beacon’s dominant second-half display secured their victory.

Georgetown’s Beacon is top of Group B with two wins and six points, an undefeated streak. Tabatinga is close behind with three points from one win and one loss, while Herstelling Raiders have yet to secure a point after two games, positioning them at the bottom of the group standings.

Meanwhile, Monedderlust is poised to face off against Buxton Stars on December 27 at the Number Five Village Ground in Berbice, aiming to maintain their position at the summit of Group A, with three points from one win.

Buxton Stars secured a draw in their initial game, claiming one point, while Beacons (Bartica) have yet to notch a point after playing two matches. Slingerz have maintained their dominant position atop Group C, clinching two consecutive wins and accumulating six points.

Slingerz FC

Their recent victory, a hard-fought 1-0 triumph against Winners Connection on December 23, was sealed by Clive Nobrega’s goal in the 39^th minute, solidifying their place at the summit.

Following closely behind is Winners Connection with six points from two victories, while Dominators is yet to put points on the board.

GFF Competition Directory Troy Peters said the teams showed remarkable determination during the Christmas weekend, solidifying their positions ahead of the upcoming semi-final round of the league.

“The teams exhibited an inspiring level of determination over the Christmas weekend, fortifying their standings in the groups as we move towards the pivotal semi-finals on December 29 and final on January 1, 2024. Anticipation is high for what promises to be a riveting culmination to this tournament.”

The GFF Elite League Promotional Playoff commenced on December 17 with nine victorious teams from the Member Associations’ Leagues fervently competing for a coveted spot in the prestigious Elite League Season Six, scheduled for 2024.

Participating clubs are Beacons (Bartica Football Association), Beacons (Georgetown Football Association), Buxton Stars (East Coast Demerara Football Association), Dartmouth (Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association), Herstelling Raiders (East Bank Demerara Football Association), Monnederlust (Berbice Football Association), Slingerz (West Demerara Football Association), Tabatinga (Rupununi Football Association) and Winners Connection (Upper Demerara Football Association).

The Elite League represents GFF President Wayne Forde’s vision for advancing club football, acting as a crucial avenue for players aiming to transition into the national programme.

The league concludes on January 6, 2024. (GFF)