After the fire at Good Hope

A woman is in custody and police are looking for a man who might be able to assist them with their investigations into the origin of a fire at 5C Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, which on Saturday night ravaged a two storey residential building, and a storage bond containing motor vehicles and other items.

The loss is estimated in millions.

The property, owned by auto sales dealer Rehaaz Gaffoor of “Trade Wide Trading”, went up in flames around 11:50 h. He was not at home at the time, but his caretaker who lived on the premises claimed that he was awakened by strange sounds, and got up to find both the bond and house on fire. The man said he ran out, only to see the woman (now in custody) and two men hurrying away from the scene.

The beleaguered Gaffoor, counting his loss yesterday, could not immediately put a value to the items, but said that apart from the house, two minibuses, two motor cars and a quantity of mechanical tools and furniture and appliances were destroyed.

“I lost everything,” he lamented, trying hard to keep composed. The young businessman who has re-migrated from Canada after living and pursuing studies at a university there, said he only returned home about three months ago.

He said that the fire is suspected to be the work of arsonists, and related that it very likely came about as a result of an old family feud which involved the division of property. Gaffoor, whose parents live in Canada, related that his business began as a partnership, now gone sour, with a relative. He claimed that after he found that he was cheated, he severed relationship with his partner and proceeded to do business on his own.

However, since the property built on the portion of land apportioned to his father was immovable, he was forced to continue operating there, and appeared to be prospering, which spelt trouble for him.

Gaffoor said that even though his parents had been physically assaulted by the rival party, he felt that the situation would one day change for the better.

“It’s years of sacrifice and hard labour gone up in flames. It’s all gone,” he said dolefully.

He said he informed his parents by telephone. They were devastated, but kept thanking God that he is alive and unhurt.

Police are investigating.