On second attempt…
-owner estimates over $100M in losses
THE juice factory opened by AL-AZIZ Splash Inc. in July 2010, at Lot 13 L’Esperance, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara, was destroyed by fire on Thursday night resulting in estimated losses of over $100M. It was reported that the flames were set by three gunmen, who broke into the building and the owner, Mr. Abdul Aziz told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the blaze started about 23:00 hrs.
He said he was alerted to it by neighbours, who also informed the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).
Aziz said he breached the lock of the gate and entered the premises already engulfed and found security guard Wazir Khan, of Leonora, West Coast Demerara, bound and with burns about his body.
The burnt man was conveyed to West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), by the police, for medical attention.
Aziz said the unarmed Khan related that he heard a noise emanating from the back of the building and, when he went to investigate, saw three men, one of whom lashed him with a gun in his face. Then he was bound and gagged after he said he did not have any money.
According to Aziz, Khan said the bandits demanded cash from him before they doused the place with kerosene, lit it afire and escaped.
The arsonists wore masks and only their eyes, mouths and noses were visible when they told him they came prepared, this time, because, last year September, their entry was prevented by him pelting them with several bottles.
Aziz said the neighbours responded in dozens and assisted him in forming a bucket brigade before the GFS arrived when the uncontrollable fire had almost consumed the edifice.
The business provided employment for 15 persons, who are now out of work due to the destruction.
Aziz said the security guard had been employed over the past six months and did his job.
Aziz recalled that burglars entered the factory in August 2010 and carted off some money and six cases of juice, a month before the failed attempt.
His family members said, yesterday, that, apart from a minor problem, when their farm was similarly destroyed four years ago, they had no problems with anyone and could not speculate on the motive for the Thursday night arson.
The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility had developed a methodology for producing healthy and delicious fruit juices and other drinks, affordable to customers and resulting in increasing farmers’ income.
Aziz had migrated to Barbados 30 years ago but returned to his homeland to invest and create employment and fulfill a dream his father had in 2004.
The establishment produced 4,000 gallons of juices of various flavours weekly, using modern machines.