A devastating fire swept through Arawak Cay’s renowned food strip yesterday, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak in its wake. The blaze, which erupted at Goldie’s Conch House around 8 a.m., rapidly consumed at least six wooden stalls and severely damaged two others. Thick smoke engulfed the area as firefighters battled the flames, while onlookers, including patrons and vendors, watched in disbelief. Despite efforts to contain the fire, the structures were reduced to ashes, leaving their owners to grapple with the loss of their livelihoods during what should have been their busiest Christmas season. Tragically, none of the destroyed properties were insured, as they were deemed ‘uninsurable.’
Among the businesses lost were Goldie’s, On the Edge, South of Florida, Brother Eddie’s Kitchen, Rake N Scrape, and the Red Snapper. Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, arrived to find her two-and-a-half-year-old restaurant in ruins. “It’s hard to come here this morning to actually see that,” she said, reflecting on the years of hard work that had gone up in flames. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association, estimated his losses at $300,000, with total damages across the strip ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis visited the scene, offering comfort to distraught vendors and pledging government support for cleanup and rebuilding efforts. He emphasized the need to upgrade the site and expressed hope that businesses could reopen within 60 days. Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell announced plans for temporary facilities and financial assistance, acknowledging the lack of insurance among many vendors. Meanwhile, political figures Sebas Bastian and Travis Robinson called for infrastructure improvements and updated building codes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Fire Services Superintendent Quincey McGregor reported that one officer suffered first-degree burns during the response, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite outdated equipment, firefighters were praised for their persistence. As the community begins to rebuild, the fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by small businesses and the urgent need for systemic improvements.