By Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORTLAND:
FIRE DESTROYED the records office at the Port Antonio courthouse yesterday, leaving damage estimated at millions of dollars.
The Port Antonio Fire Department put out the blaze, having been summoned by a passer-by about 2.24 a.m.
"We were on the scene in two minutes", said District Officer Everol Brown who is in charge of the Port Antonio Fire Department. "When we entered the building, the fire was centred on the first floor, primarily the records office section, where court case files are kept".
He said the fire was brought under control in less than 30 minutes, adding that several offices near to the records section were badly affected by the intense heat.
BADLY SCORCHED
"The Portland Chamber of Commerce's office was badly scorched, along with the Clerk of the Court's section. The intense heat may have also accounted for many glass windows that were shattered," the fireman said.
According to District Officer Brown, the top floor of the two-storey building, where court sessions are held, was not damaged but damage was done to the hallway, walls, the ceiling of the floor, and also to the electrical wiring.
"The forensic fire team has indicated that it is the work of arsonists", added District Officer Brown. "They have discovered traces of gasolene in the records office area, and therefore, have concluded that it was deliberately set ablaze. Damage is estimated at $4 million".
The Port Antonio Resident Magistrate's Court does not hold regular sessions on Thursday, but staff members are always there, carrying out office duties.
The Constabulary Communication Network told The Gleaner that operations at the courthouse would be disrupted for a time.
"It is more than likely that all court sessions scheduled for the Port Antonio court will be transferred to the Buff Bay court-house", the CCN said.
