Assistance for Bell Rock Fire Victims

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has committed to assisting the victims of a fire that destroyed seven homes in the Bell Rock community in St. Andrew.

During a visit to the area on Tuesday (September 17), Prime Minister Holness said the damage from the fire, which was deliberately set, is extensive, noting that 13 adults and nine children are now homeless.

“The Bell Rock community has been a quiet community… . It’s one of the communities that I’m very proud of because the people all live here like one big family,” he said, noting that the residents are “very aspirational” and take pride in their homes.

“They are always trying to replace their board structures with concrete and they build little by little by little. So, for this to happen, for one incensed young man who has an intimate partner conflict to destroy the lives of eight families, what they’ve worked so hard to build, he must face the full force of the law,” Prime Minister Holness said.

He informed that the Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has already provided some initial relief to the fire victims, including bedding and other items.

“A few years back in your adjoining community, there was a similar fire and we built some apartments for the persons who were displaced. I’m going to attempt to do the same thing,” he pledged.

He said there are some new building solutions that he will be looking to have deployed to the area very quickly.

The Prime Minister said that a social survey will be conducted by the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) to determine the number of households affected, in order to provide accurate accommodation needs.

“I want to give you the assurance that I will be there for you. We will continue to assist,” Prime Minister Holness said, adding that he will be providing supplies so that the children can return to school shortly.

Meanwhile, Commanding Officer for the St. Andrew South Division, Superintendent Damion Manderson, said that the police are working assiduously to locate the young man “who is a person of interest to us, not just with this fire but with other crimes in other divisions”.

He said the residents are concerned, as threats are being sent by the same individual.

The person of interest, who frequents White Hall Avenue and Sixth Street in Bell Rock, is being urged to surrender to the Hunts Bay Police Station immediately.