A midnight fire on Sunday at the corner of Wellington Street and North Road has left several persons contemplating their next move as they lost their livelihoods in the blaze of unknown origin.

The building, which was reported to be over 35 years old, housed five small businesses while the top flat was occupied by the owner of the building. Monica McDonald, the owner, said she was watching television when she noticed the fire.

She says the fire started downstairs at the back of the building, where she had some clothes hanging. McDonald was unable to save anything from her upper flat.

She told Stabroek News yesterday that since the fire she had been standing on the opposite side of the road in front of Glamour store. The loss of her home was still a shock to the woman who did not know what was next for her.

McDonald was surrounded by church members.

Also standing outside the store opposite where his business was once housed was Raul Chin. Chin who owns Bouquet La Difference, a flower shop, said he had moved to that location because the rent was too high at his previous location.

Chin said that his portion of the building sustained mostly water and heat damage. He estimated his losses at $5 million, adding that he had his flowers and other materials in the store. “At this point I don’t know what is next.

There has to be a way forward,” a sombre Chin said.

Meanwhile, on the verge of tears as she recalled her news of the fire snackette owner Lynette George said she had lost “everything”. Her food business, Lyn’s Taste Place which faced North Road had been operation for just four months.

But while the loss of her livelihood has dampened her spirits somewhat, George was looking ahead, “I hoping for something to come along good. I gon look for a new place and build back from the bottom.”

George estimated her losses at $3 million. Her refrigerator, microwave, drinks, cooler and wares and other items were all lost in the flames, she said.

Robin Ramcharran, owner of Humphrey’s Graphic Services was counting his blessings as he noted that his rubber stamp business merely sustained water damage but there was no significant loss.
His business has been somewhat of an institution. As old as the building itself, Ramcharran said his family business has been passed down from generations.

“It’s your livelihood and it’s a blow but you have to get up brush off and come again and ask the Father for health and strength to continue,” Ramcharran shared as he contemplated where he would take his business now.

The building also housed a vulcanising shop and an internet cafe.