Authorities in John Hughes have launched a comprehensive investigation following the deliberate destruction of a high-value excavator by fire, an incident that has raised tensions between development interests and environmental advocacy in the community.
The heavy construction equipment, valued at approximately several hundred thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars, was completely destroyed by flames between the evening of January 28 and morning of January 29. The machine had been left operational at a construction site when workers concluded their shifts, only to be discovered severely damaged and beyond repair the following day.
According to company representatives, the substantial financial loss and evidence at the scene strongly suggest the fire was intentionally set. The incident has triggered a police probe that has extended to questioning prominent environmental activists in the area.
On Monday, investigators interviewed Martin Dudley at the All Saints Police Station regarding the destruction. Dudley, who has consistently voiced concerns about excavation activities in John Hughes over the past two years, firmly denied any involvement in the incident.
“I did not destroy the excavator. I know nothing about this machine other than it is working in an area I have been monitoring for over two years,” Dudley stated following his questioning.
Law enforcement officials confirm that no arrests have been made to date and emphasize that the official cause of the fire remains undetermined. Police are actively seeking information from the public that might assist in identifying those responsible for the destruction of the heavy machinery.