Millions in articles went up in flames early last Thursday when a fire destroyed a section of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) complex that housed the Colombian Trade Fair Expo, at Thomas Lands.
The fire, which started around 2.30 am, resulted in the loss of an estimated $20 million in valuables, according to businessman German Perez.
Perez said he was at a loss as to what may have started the fire. He was only alerted afterward. He is now awaiting an investigation by the police and fire service to ascertain the cause of the fire.
The businessman recalled receiving a phone call at around 4 am about the fire. When he arrived at the location, the fire was already contained while all the items that were housed for the Expo were damaged.
However, Perez remains undaunted. When Stabroek News visited the site yesterday, he was busy washing the area and cleaning scorched walls and showcases. Many of the burnt household and electrical items along with kitchen utensils were heaped, awaiting disposal.
Perez is hoping to reopen the Expo in two or three weeks.
