Home significant to TCI’s salt trade gutted by fire

Police have condemned the second incident of arson on the Turks and Caicos Islands that has destroyed a piece of the territory’s history.

Yesterday an arsonist set fire to a historical home on Grand Turk that is significant to the salt industry.

Fire crews were unable to save the wooden structure, which is located on Front Street, despite their valiant effort.

In a brief statement, Acting assistant superintendent of police Michael Francois from the Grand Turk Division “A” Station said: “This latest fire-setting was an attack on our history. The devastation caused is a tragic loss to Grand Turk’s heritage. Last year, ( December 18th)  we were able to save the upstairs of the TIMCO building, which is also located along Front Street. The cowardly acts of fire-setting being perpetrated should be condemned. We owe it to our future generations to preserve our history”.

Additionally, Francois stated that Chapter 3.11 of the Malicious Injuries to Property Ordinance Section 6 makes it an  offence to maliciously set fire and upon conviction be arsonist is liable to imprisonment for life.

He has appealed to members of the public to assist with their investigation.