Dear Editor,
The season of fires continues with the recent conflagration at Parika Market, where from all reports and accounts, the lack of health and safety practices was on full display. It is being firmly posited by eyewitnesses (the vendors and stallholders) that the blaze, which led to the massive destruction of the facility, was allegedly ignited by sparks from welding being done on the structure. In a congested area like that, with all kinds of combustible materials, how reckless to conduct welding knowing it could lead to potential danger, as it did.
The not too distant destruction of a storage bond by fire, which was similarly caused, did not, it seems provide any lessons to those who engaged in the welding activity at Parika. Now lives and livelihoods are disrupted and people are in despair. My sympathies to all those who suffered in this man made tragedy. It is hoped they will overcome this setback and rebuild their lives and trade.
Sincerely,
Shamshun Mohamed
