The Guyana Fire Service is working on the theory that the fire which destroyed several businesses on Regent Street two weeks ago was deliberately set, a senior official in the department told Guyana Times International on Wednesday.
The affected businesses were housed in a building owned by the Jaigobins’ family.
The building was at the time at the centre of a property dispute before the High Court. According to a source close to the Jaigobins’ family, a judge was expected to pronounce on the case later this week.
Sources close to the investigation told this newspaper that there is a likelihood that criminal charges would be laid against the parties/ party found responsible.
“Arson was found to be the cause behind the Regent Street inferno and there is a possibility that criminal charges could be instituted against those persons or person accountable,” the senior fire service official said.
“Something strange and suspicious may have occurred that could have led to the fire,” the official added.
The disputed building which was reportedly set alight
A fire of unknown origin on April 1 gutted several stores housed in a building owned by the Jaigobins’ located at the corners of Regent and Wellington streets, Georgetown. The building is at the centre of a property dispute before the High Court. Millions went up in flames as the fire which began at Dilip’s Variety Store, quickly spread to Akash People’s Variety Store, Prakash’s Discount Store and Monty’s Variety Store. All of the stores were reportedly owned by Indian nationals.
The fire began just before 5: 30h. Firemen did all they could to contain the flames in a bid to protect nearby businesses and stores.
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle had told this publication that the Central Fire Station received a call that there was a fire at approximately 5: 35h, and firefighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze.
They attempted to contain the blaze at Dilip’s Variety Store but were unsuccessful as the fire was too much for them to handle. The Guyana Fire Service has recorded 18 infernos from January to March this year. A total of 58 persons were left homeless.
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