
The raging inferno which leveled the Parika Market is confirmed by investigators to have been started by residue from welding activities that were going on in the market at the time of the blaze. The Market was in its second phase of rehabilitation work, which was scheduled to be completed shortly.
Guyana Fire Service said that at 15:14 hrs on Friday, the Fire Department was alerted to a fire at the market complex. It quickly dispatched to the scene. A combination of high winds and the densely populated market made extinguishing the flames nearly impossible. When this has been accomplished, most of the area had already been gutted.
INews is reporting that “When Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar visited the area on Saturday to speak with affected businesspersons, tempers flared and the seemingly dissatisfied persons were heard shouting. Amid demands for compensation from Government, Indar explained that due process must be followed.”
Additionally, Kaieteur News is reporting that “Vendors saved whatever items they could from their stalls before completely evacuating the burning market; however, looters took advantage of the chaotic environment and cleared the stalls of the remaining items. Police Commander Mahendra Siwnarine, told the publication that his ranks were able to recover some items that were looted on Saturday. Some of the recovered items are clothing and electronic equipment.”
