A Mayor and City Council excavator aiding workers to clear the debris from the site
In the aftermath of the devastating fire that ripped through a building housing several businesses on Regent Street on Sunday, April 1, storeowners are contemplating their next move, even as the Mayor and City Council has begun clearing the debris from the burnt out site.
In an invited comment on Tuesday, Prakash (only name given), one of the storeowners told Guyana Times International that since the calamity, he has distanced himself from viewing the remains of what he referred to as his “daily bread”.
“Since the fire, I just can’t stand to view all of what is left from a business. I depend solely on it for a living. Right now I can’t find myself, much less to know the way forward.” He is undecided of his plans of continuing his trade.
In the wee hours of Sunday morning, fire of unknown origin gutted the building located at the corner of Regent and Wellington Streets, opposite the Guyoil Station in Georgetown. The building had housed several businesses.
According to information, the property was occupied by Dalip’s Variety Store, Akash People’s Variety, Monty’s Smart Choices and Prakash’s Discount. All of the affected occupants of the building were Indian nationals. The building was reportedly owned by the Jaigobin family.
Reports reaching this publication stated that fire fighters responded to a call from a male around 05: 35h, saying that flames were observed in the Jaigobins’ building. Upon arrival of the fire unit, thick smoke and flames were seen in Dalip’s Variety Store, which is located in the upper floor of the said building.
Based on reports, the building was heavily grilled and contained shutters, which primarily prevented the work of the firemen. The building took mere minutes to collapse from the raging fire that had spread quickly, owing to flammable items that were marketed there.
In an interview with this newspaper, Dallip Murjani related that he, like the other affected businessmen, never saw the reason to insure their merchandise; hence, they are left to foot the expense of re-establishing their businesses. It is still uncertain, too, whether the Jaigobins had the property insured.
Murjani added that a few of his business colleagues have approached him, and offered him their support to get his business started again. But he is still to make a decision on the matter. “To tell you the truth, I am still to make a decision whether I will open back my business there or go somewhere else… I just don’t know because the way I am feeling it’s really unexplainable right now; I don’t know what to do and where to go,” affirmed the grief-stricken Murjani.
The distressed entrepreneur said he is yet to be approached by the owner of the building to discuss the way forward.
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