-wants firmer action by police
A 28-year-old pregnant woman from De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, says she is living in fear after her home was destroyed by fire, an attack she believes was carried out by her former partner, who she said had repeatedly threatened to burn down the property and leave her homeless.
Beverly Yearwood is now appealing to the public for assistance in locating her former partner, whom she has accused of terrorising and repeatedly abusing her since their relationship ended.
Yearwood told this publication that she had been in a relationship with the man for almost three years and said that the abuse intensified after they separated.
According to her, the man would frequently visit her home unannounced, walk around the yard, kick down doors, take away her phone and assault her.
She said she made several reports to the police about the alleged incidents.
In one recent incident, Yearwood said that the man entered her yard, kicked down her door and, as he was leaving, discharged two rounds from a firearm.
She said that in the days leading up to the fire, the man had threatened to burn down her house and leave her homeless.
Yearwood said that on August 16, while she was staying at her sister’s home because she was afraid to remain at her residence, she received a call from her mother at about 3:30 a.m. informing her that her house was on fire.
When she arrived, she said the entire house and its contents had been destroyed.
“I lost everything,” a visibly distressed Yearwood said.
She estimated her losses at approximately $10 million, explaining that she had recently furnished the house and lost jewellery, money, clothing and other personal belongings.
Yearwood also said she had recently purchased clothing for her 12-year-old daughter for the upcoming school term, along with items for her unborn child, all of which were destroyed.
She said that the threats against her did not end with the destruction of her home.
According to Yearwood, on the Monday following the fire, the man went to her sister’s residence on a motorcycle and began knocking on the door.
She said she and her family did not open the door but saw him through a window.
Yearwood said she subsequently made another report to the police the following day.
The 28-year-old woman said she is frustrated by what she believes has been a slow response to her reports, stating that she has had to repeatedly visit the police station seeking updates.
“I would like the police to be more proactive in my case because it’s moving real slow,” she said.
Yearwood, who is heavily pregnant, said the ordeal has taken a severe physical and emotional toll on her.
She explained that she is now constantly fearful that she could be targeted again.
“Some nights I don’t sleep,” she said. “If he comes where I am now and tries to light a fire at this house, I can’t handle the outcome because I can’t run, I can’t jump, I can’t do much.”
She said she is particularly concerned about her 12-year-old daughter and is appealing for urgent action.
“I would like for this guy to get locked up as soon as possible because I’m fearful for my life,” Yearwood said.
The police have been investigating the reports, but Yearwood is calling for urgent action as she continues to fear for her safety and that of her family.
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