Drop-in-Centre fire… preliminary report reveals bad policy arrangements to deal with fire

Georgetown, GINA, July 27, 2016

The preliminary report on the fire at the Drop-in Centre at Hadfield Street which occurred on July 7, pointed to some systemic problems which have to addressed, not only at the centre, but at all government facilities.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told the media of this finding at a post-Cabinet press briefing today, where he noted that the preliminary report revealed some issues of bad policy arrangements for fire.

“…It pointed to the fact that there were not enough collaboration between entities with regards to the management of the Drop-in centre. It pointed to the fact that there were not enough drills for emergencies of fire,” Minister Harmon further noted.

He said that Government will now have to look at the country’s fire codes, building standards and the fact that in some buildings there is no fire point. Fire drills in schools will also have to be re-introduced.

On July 7, Antonio and Joshua George aged two and six respectively, perished in a fire at the Drop-in Centre.  The fire destroyed the entire top flat of the building.

President David Granger ordered an inquiry into the incident which is being led by Colonel Windee Algernon.