Uninsured Old Harbour supermarket suffers $37m in losses

Based on preliminary report, fire of an “unknown origin” gutted the top tier of the two-storey building situated at 20-22 East Street, Old Harbour. The “uninsured” property was engulfed for over three hours before firefighters from the Old Harbour and Spanish Town fire stations brought the situation under complete control.

The blaze started about 12:35 pm on the second floor and destroyed the four-bed room dwelling which also included a kitchen, bathroom and verandah and occupied by six adults and two toddlers – all Chinese nationals. The family was unable to save anything and will spend their next few nights at the homes of neighbouring Chinese citizens. 

• VIDEO: Fire damages Chinese operated supermarket in Old Harbour

East Street was quickly transformed into a sea of people jostling for the best vantage point despite the ongoing decree by the state for persons to practice social distance to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

None of the affected individuals was willing to speak to Old Harbour News. However, the disaster is a major setback for the owners because of a downturn in economic activities as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.