Two of the three men who had been separately charged for setting fire to the Ministry of Health in July appeared yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court where a single joint charge in relation to the fire was read to them.

Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson informed Clayton Westford and Tedena Bagot, who appeared in court, that the separate arson charges had been withdrawn against them and instead one joint charge has been laid against them.

The court was told that Keith Ferrier, the third person alleged to have been involved in this matter, was not present in court yesterday because he was not informed that he had to appear.

Meanwhile, an arrest warrant is still pending for Collin Jones in relation to this matter.

The joint charge states that between July 16 to 17 at Brickdam, Westford, 19, an office assistant of 7 West La Penitence, 21-year-old Bagot, a pork-knocker of 32 Second Street, Alexander Village and Keith Ferrier, 48, a minibus driver of 1689 National Avenue, South Ruimveldt, allegedly unlawfully and maliciously set fire to the Ministry of Health’s building, property of the State.

The men had been granted bail at the High Court in the sum of $200,000 for Bagot and $300,000 for Westford. Ferrier is also said to be on bail.

A huge fire believed to have been sparked by channa bombs completely destroyed the Ministry of Health’s main building and an annex at Brickdam in the wee hours of July 17, devouring  records, vehicles and a string of key divisions in a major blow to the health sector.