(The Bahama Journal) A massive fire swept through another Haitian community early yesterday morning, leaving hundreds of Haitians homeless and left to sift through the rubble.
It is the second time fire gutted a shanty town, as back in December the neighbouring Mackey Yard community was razed leaving over some 200 displaced families.
But the displaced Haitians are crying foul, as they claim fire officials deliberately let their homes burn to the ground while trying to save a few Bahamian owned homes.
“They’re not supposed to let that burn down,” said a visibly distraught resident.
“They have one Bahamian house over there and I see everybody trying to save that house. But why don’t they try and save his home. He’s a Haitian-Bahamian and he is born here, they are supposed to help him as well.”
Scores of Haitians were running in and out of their homes scrambling to salvage anything they could, as the fire unleashed its rage on the shanty town.
Mattresses, TV’s, refrigerators and clothes were among some of the items the residents were able to secure.
Even when police officers cordoned off the area, some Haitians were still seen trying to sneak back in.
According to Director of Fire Services, Superintendent Jeffery Deleveaux, police received reports that the Haitian Village on Fire Trail Road was on fire around 8:24 a.m. yesterday.
“Three units responded and when we arrived we met the fire in two different locations in this area,” said Superintendent Deleveaux.
“We proceeded to extinguish the fire but the strong wind and the close proximity of the buildings made it extremely difficult to contain and unfortunately a number of homes were destroyed.”
Superintendent Deleveaux said at that point, it was not immediately clear what caused the fire, but they are looking at all the possibilities from arson to an electrical shortage.
