作者： admin

A catastrophic fire and subsequent explosion ravaged the Mitsuda Superstore on Longdenville Old Road yesterday afternoon, causing extensive structural damage and triggering mass evacuations in the Enterprise community. The conflagration, which ignited around 12:30 p.m., resulted in multi-million dollar losses and significant collateral damage to adjacent residences.

The Trinidad and Tobago Fire Services (TTFS) Central Division responded with multiple fire tenders within minutes of notification, though firefighters noted operational challenges due to inadequate water pressure. Their coordinated efforts prevented serious injuries, although several employees and residents required medical attention for smoke inhalation.

The compound’s destruction represents both an economic and community tragedy, housing not only grocery and household goods sections but also agricultural supplies and wholesale operations. The subsequent explosion shattered windows in surrounding homes, particularly affecting Jack Street residents who were forcibly evacuated—including children, elderly citizens, and an individual with special needs.

Local resident Wendell Grimshaw reported comprehensive damage to his property, noting the psychological impact on his children from the blast. The incident evoked traumatic memories of a similar 2021 fire at Seumeds Ltd. on Citrus Drive, raising concerns about fire safety protocols in commercial-residential border zones.

Employees expressed profound grief over the destruction, with one 42-year-old staff member highlighting the potential unemployment crisis for single mothers employed at the establishment. The superstore’s absence creates an economic vacuum, previously generating substantial commercial traffic that benefited adjacent small businesses like food vendor Charmaine Alleyne’s operation.

Mitsuda management addressed the disaster through an official Facebook statement, emphasizing employee safety and community resilience: “With your continued support, we will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.” The company confirmed its St. Augustine branch remains operational during recovery efforts.

Concurrently, TTFS issued urgent public advisories against unauthorized burning during the ongoing dry season, noting repeated bush fire responses in Citrus Drive and Ragoonanan Road areas. Fire officials emphasized that discarded cigarettes, glass bottles magnifying sunlight, and deliberate rubbish burning pose severe community threats through airborne embers and rapid fire spread.

Disaster Management Unit chair Brenda John coordinated municipal support for affected residents as firefighting operations continued past nightfall, with reignited flames requiring additional tender deployments and medical standby services.

The funeral service for contractor and businessman Danny Anthony Guerra became a platform for unity and reflection as more than 100 mourners gathered at St Francis RC Church in Sangre Grande yesterday. The emotional ceremony highlighted both Guerra’s controversial public perception and his personal legacy as remembered by those closest to him.

Marlon Grant, identifying himself as Guerra’s employee, delivered a powerful eulogy addressing the conflicting narratives surrounding the deceased businessman. “Forget the noise…stay together, stay strong,” Grant urged attendees, echoing what he described as Guerra’s characteristic command: “Aye, allyuh, let we go!” Grant shared personal experiences of Guerra as a man who embodied progress, discipline, vision, and love—qualities that contrasted with some public opinions.

The service revealed Guerra’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings selling pork to becoming a significant property developer. Through his company DG Homes, Guerra had expanded his operations from Sangre Grande to other regions including Cunupia, helping numerous individuals achieve homeownership according to Grant’s testimony.

Notable absences marked the ceremony, with several immediate family members including Guerra’s daughter Daniella—initially scheduled to speak—not in attendance. Lucy Guerra Ramroop, Guerra’s aunt, stepped in to emphasize the importance of celebrating his life and supporting his four children: Garvin, Daniella, Daniel, and another daughter.

The visual tributes spoke volumes about Guerra’s impact, with mourners—including Venezuelan migrants—wearing custom jerseys bearing his image and the words “discipline, visionary, driven.” A life-sized cardboard cutout stood vigil in the church as final respects were paid.

Following the service, a procession accompanied Guerra’s body to Turure Public Cemetery for burial. While police presence was noted nearby, the proceedings concluded without incident according to official sources.

The ceremony occurred against a complex backdrop of legal challenges and unresolved violence. Guerra had been detained last November under a Preventative Detention Order that identified him as an organized crime leader involved in arms trafficking, money laundering, and illegal quarrying. Though released in January after nearly six weeks, his life ended violently on March 13 when armed men ambushed him outside his business establishment. As of yesterday, no arrests have been made in connection with his killing.