The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS from Police Fire Services said they are now analysing the “underlying issues” of the Gamble Heights community after another fire ripped through portions of the shanty town on Monday night, the fourth blaze since the government started a demolition exercise nearly two weeks ago.

Head of the Police Fire Services Unit, Assistant Superintendent Walter Evans said Monday’s fire raises concerns, indicating that officers are again suspecting arson. He said one person is assisting police with the investigation.

Last week Mr Evans said authorities suspected arson to be the cause behind three separate fires that destroyed an estimated 20 structures from October 18-20.

“Officers received notice just after 7pm (Monday) that a number of homes in the Gamble Heights community were ablaze. Two trucks were deployed to the area immediately and a third was sent out a short time later,” he said yesterday.

“(Monday’s) fire has pushed the total number of homes destroyed by fire to 30 since last week. At the moment we have one person that is assisting us with our investigation and we believe with their help, we can gain a better understanding of what exactly is going on with this matter.”

Gamble Heights is a six-acre property in the southern section of New Providence.

The community previously encompassed roughly 150 structures, many considered in violation of the Bahamas’ building code.

Portions of the Gamble Heights community were demolished under government directives on Friday, October 16; two days before the first fire was reported.

At the time, some residents said they did not have notice about the demolition and said they were left homeless.