A devastating fire swept through a three-storey commercial building at Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown, on Saturday night, November 7, destroying a Chinese-owned clothing and cosmetics business and leaving several small vendors facing significant losses.
The blaze, which broke out at approximately 8:25 p.m. on Croal Street, also threatened neighbouring commercial properties and prompted a major response from the Guyana Fire Service, police and members of the Guyana Defence Force.
The building housed a clothing and cosmetics store, while several vendors operating in the surrounding area were also affected. Their businesses included the sale of groceries, wheaten flour products and beverages, as well as telephone top-up and Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) services.
The destruction of these small businesses has raised concerns about the financial consequences for vendors who depend on daily sales to sustain themselves and their families.
According to reports, Acting Chief Fire Officer Dwayne Scotland said firefighters initially responded with three fire tenders, with an additional three subsequently deployed as the operation intensified.
Firefighters also utilised a hydraulic platform to conduct aerial firefighting operations in an effort to bring the blaze under control and prevent further destruction.
Banks DIH provided an additional fire tender to assist with the emergency response, while police and GDF personnel helped secure the surrounding area.
The fire also resulted in electricity interruptions affecting sections of Georgetown, including Water Street, Lombard Street, Alexander Village and River View, according to the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL).
There were differing accounts regarding the extent of the damage to neighbouring properties. Some reports indicated that the fire spread towards the building formerly occupied by KFC, while other reports said firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the original structure, with the neighbouring KFC and Pizza Hut properties escaping visible fire damage.
The cause of the fire had not been established at the time of reporting, and investigations are expected to determine what triggered the blaze.
Beyond the destruction of the commercial building, the incident has highlighted the vulnerability of small-scale vendors operating in one of Georgetown’s busiest commercial districts.
For those affected, the losses extend beyond damaged stalls and destroyed merchandise. They represent lost income, disrupted livelihoods and uncertainty about how quickly they can resume trading.
The full extent of the financial losses, the number of vendors affected and the findings of the fire investigation were not immediately available.
