radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
A century-old historic house in San Fernando used recently to film the local movie Tainted Blood, has burnt to the ground.
The house was owned by the president of the Greater San Fernando Chamber of Industry and Commerce Kiran Singh.
The fire started after midday on the upper floor of the building at Chacon Street, San Fernando, opposite the Surgi-med Clinic.
It was part of the few remaining historic buildings in South City.
Speaking at the scene, Singh said it was heartbreaking to see his childhood home go up in flames. He said the house was owned by his grandfather Ramnarayan Ramphal Maharaj and had been vacant for almost ten years.
Recently, Singh permitted a homeless man to stay at the house occasionally,
“This house was an icon in the city landscape for many years. This is the house where I grew up, I saw the development of San Fernando over the years. I enjoyed Carnival from this location, walking down Penitence Street. I enjoyed many activities in downtown San Fernando over the years. It is with a strong level of grief that I have to witness the destruction of this house today,” Singh said.
Giving thanks that no one was injured and that the fire occurred on a Sunday so it did not disrupt traffic, Singh said he was also grateful that he had videos of the house before its destruction.
“We had hopes we would have remodelled the house. It was a vintage house back in the day. But with the pandemic and the downturn in the economy, cash flow did not allow us to refurbish the house. That will not happen anymore, unfortunately. But we will live by the history of it through pictures and family memories,” he added.
Singh said he did not know what caused the fire.
He said recently, media personality Hansley Ajodha filmed his movie Tainted Blood inside the historic house.
Keron Wilson, the son of CNC3’s journalist Sascha Wilson, is one of the stars of the movie. It will be shown at the Naparima Bowl on April 11 at 7 pm. Tickets cost $50.
