Cops compiling file on fish shop fire

The White Castle Fish Shop building, located at the corner of Hadfield and John streets, Werk-en-Rust.
The White Castle Fish Shop building, located at the corner of Hadfield and John streets, Werk-en-Rust.

The police are currently compiling a file on the suspected arson that resulted in the gutting of the White Castle Fish Shop on John and Hadfield streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

According to Commander (ag) of ‘A’ Division Leslie James, once the file is completed, investigators will be seeking legal advice.

The interior of the business was destroyed by fire on the morning April 14th.

Stabroek News had previously reported that the fire started around 2.30 am and a swift response by members of the Guyana Fire Service prevented the flames from spreading throughout the entire building.

Proprietor Jermaine Langevine had estimated his losses to be some $18 million since among the items destroyed were the freezers, furniture, a music set, televisions and fryers.

The prime suspect, Langevine’s common-law wife, was arrested and subsequently released on station bail.

Langevine had alleged that the fire was set as a result of domestic problems he and the woman had been experiencing.

The couple, who have been living together for two years, have a child.

Langevine had related that when the fire started, the business had just closed. “…I don’t know, she come and she can’t find me and she send one of the staff to buy gasoline and when they refuse to do it, she went and buy it she self, came back, went in the office and the staff then smell the gasoline and after that was a loud sound, the fire started,” Langevine had alleged.

Following the incident, Langevine had approached the Town Clerk, Royston King on his application to temporarily operate on the Hadfield Street Avenue and King has promised to forward his request to a sub-committee meeting for discussion this week.

In the meantime, he has been operating on the parapet of the business premises.