Fire destroys makeshift shops at burnt-out MoBay Arcade, millions in losses

WESTERN BUREAU:

Fire of unknown origin destroyed three makeshift shops at the burnt-out Montego Bay Arcade in St James early Wednesday morning, leaving behind millions of dollars in losses.

According to reports, at about 12:10 a.m., huge columns of smoke were seen coming from the shops, which subsequently burst into flames. The St James branch of the Jamaica Fire Brigade was alerted, and several units were dispatched to the location.

Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon, who visited the location this morning to observe the damage, told The Gleaner that based on his conversations with the firefighters, they had observed breaches at the location, which, they believe, could have contributed to the fire.

“I did my own view of the situation, and I realised that there were three shops, one double occupancy and one single occupancy … . I understand that the one with the double occupancy, based on the nature of its operation, several persons were attached to that shop,” said Vernon.

“When we looked at the situation, we realised that one shop had about five large refrigerators and an air-conditioning unit. I understand [that] the owner was using it as a storage area for persons plying their wares on the streets.”

One of the affected vendors, who identified himself only as ‘Pow Pow’, said he suffered significant losses of over J$2 million. He said the blaze evoked memories of the original fire, which flattened the arcade in October 2023, as he also suffered significant losses at that time.

OVER $2.5MIL IN LOSS

“It not the first, second or third time that fire has affected me here,” said the frustrated vendor, who was also affected by a previous fire in 2015. “Is over J$2.5 million me lose, as what the fire nuh destroy, water damage them; and what water no damage, people loot them.”

Based on his experience with previous fires, the vendor says he knows that he will just have to absorb the losses as on previous occasions, he did not receive assistance.

“It crazy, a whole heap a damage … me not even a go to no one, because me know seh politician nah help we. So me not even a go to dem … the last time me get me damage, me just tek it,” the vendor said.

The latest fire could be the catalyst for the redevelopment of the arcade, however, as Vernon says consultations are ongoing.

“We have had discussions recently pertaining to the redevelopment of the arcade, and we are working on the funding aspect of it. We presented the designs we want to use … it is two designs, and we need to select one,” said Vernon. “I will be meeting with the Urban Development Corporation and the member of parliament to have further dialogue about the redevelopment of this space.”

The mayor used to opportunity to urge vendors who are now operating with makeshift shops, to be patient as the redevelopment plans take shape.

“It needs upgrading, it cannot continue as is. It is unregulated, from the electrical works to the occupancy of the shops; everything here. We need to quickly address that,” said Vernon.