Sascha Wilson
Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
A Princes Town community is mourning the death of a 67-year-old grandfather after a blaze destroyed two homes and a woodwork factory on Saturday night, reigniting calls for a functioning fire station in the district.
The fire, which started around 7.30 pm at Third Company Village, Indian Walk, claimed the life of Gopaul “Figgie” Ramnanan, who was burnt beyond recognition. Ramnanan, who walked with a cane, was alone when the flames consumed the wooden house he occupied. His charred body was later found on his bed.
The father of seven and grandfather of eight had been living in the home—owned by neighbour Avinash Ramnath—since shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramnath’s two-storey wooden home on the same property was also destroyed. Two workers who lived there were away at the time.
Ramnath, who was at work when the fire began, said the houses were gutted by the time he arrived and the fire service had not yet reached the scene. He described the circumstances as suspicious, noting that his three dogs were poisoned just two days earlier and that he was involved in a family dispute.
Ramnanan’s daughter, Indira, questioned why her father did not attempt to escape.
“He would not have just lied down and let that fire burn him,” she said.
The blaze also destroyed a woodwork factory, causing an estimated $250,000 in losses and putting eight employees out of work. Owner Ashton Knutt believes the absence of a local fire station worsened the damage.
“These people had to leave from Mon Repos to get down here, which is over 30 minutes driving,” he said. “A man is dead, another lost his home, and I can’t deliver jobs on time. It has to get better.”
Three months ago, Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander and fire officials visited the Princes Town Fire Station and promised to “fix it,” but no update has been given on rebuilding or finding an alternative site.
Princes Town police and Mon Repos fire officials are investigating.
