The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A FIRE that completely destroyed the Butler's Plaza in San Andros has left the community "devastated" and in "shock", with 21 persons out of work as a result.

"This is horrific," said Ambika Cooper, a director with the Andros Chamber of Commerce. "I was devastated; a lot of people are devastated. There are now about 21 people out of work and that's really tough. This was a very popular spot. It was a very modern plaza; not your regular 'Mom and Pop' type outfit. All of the stores in there were like the stores in Nassau."

A fire gutted the plaza last Tuesday night, destroying The Flying Dutchman Liquor Store; an Aliv store; Chances web shop; Bulter's Laundromat; and the Sweet Mahogany Lounge.

"The Flying Dutchman was a popular hang-out and the washhouse was state-of-the-art. The Aliv store just opened back in November. The plaza didn't have a Family Island vibe. This is a shock to the entire community, and it highlighted the need to have a fire engine on the island. We have lacked one for many years.

"If there was a fire engine it could have at least saved half of the building," said Ms Cooper. She added that the property had been renovated in the past two to three years.

Aliv, in a statement, acknowledged its store had been destroyed in the blaze. "Due to unfortunate and unforeseen circumstance, there was a fire in the Butlers Plaza, San Andros, early Wednesday morning which has affected the entire plaza, including our store," it said. "Due to this, our store will be closed until further notice. We will be providing an update shortly and we stand in solidarity with the other tenants and the plaza's owner."

The company added: "At this time, we are working with the authorities and hope to resume operations soon. Our mobile van, which was kept in a separate location, will be available for patrons and parked as close to the original store location beginning at 10am. Thank you for your continued support."