Burnt Sachi store looted, Fire Chief confirms arson

One day after a fire destroyed the Sachi Variety Store on Regent Street, Georgetown, persons began to loot the building to see what they can salvage.

When the News Room arrived on the scene Tuesday, persons were scraping through the remains after the fire and taking what they can.

Earlier on Tuesday, there was Police presence at the store but persons began to loot after the Police left.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle also confirmed that the fire was an act of arson as there is evidence to show that persons broke into the store and set it on fire.

“The investigation is over and is now the subject of an arson investigation with the Police. We have uncovered evidence that clearly indicates this was an act of arson,” the Fire Chief said.

The fire started about 02:00hrs Monday on the third floor of the building.

The Guyana Fire Service responded to the scene and managed to stop the fire from spreading to other businesses; firefighters also worked for hours to contain the blaze.

The store is owned by a Chinese national Fa Sen while the building is owned by someone else. Some 20 persons were employed at the store.

The owner had told the News Room that he has been managing the business for a year now and it was only last week that someone broke in.

Mr Fa on Tuesday still could not estimate his loss. He told the News Room he does not know what to do now.