The fire destroyed 19 businesses and left in its wake billions of dollars in losses and some 150 persons without jobs.

Ramjaram told the Chronicle, the cooler was in his possession prior to the incident, but was taken to a technician on the advice of the Busta Company, to which it belonged.

“ The cooler was not on the premises at the time of the fire, and as such could not have caused the fire.

“I opened my businesses at various locations in the township to create employment for citizens of New Amsterdam and its environs, and it is senseless of me investing greatly, knowing I have a defective cooler on the premises which would have been a threat to me and others.”

“In no way we would have known it is defective and allow it to continue working. It is unfortunate that the fire had to begin at the front of my rented building, causing many persons to be out of a job,” the businessman said.

He has however, encouraged the general public to be strong, during this difficult moment and assured them that over 30 jobs will be available when another branch is established in New Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, owner of Romona Show World, Mr. Leon, expressed gratitude to the fire officers who worked beyond the call of duty, despite the limited resources, to contain the fire, which had threatened to wipe out the entire commercial center.

He, however, advised the relevant authorities to focus on improving the fire services with modernised equipment along with training for its staff members.

Ms Elaine Ganpatsingh, who owned one of the town’s oldest drug store, blamed the fire service for the loss of her business place. She said had it not been for indiscipline of the firemen/women, her business could have been saved.

She recalled that on her arrival on the scene, about an hour after the blaze started, noticed the Petma Loo Liquor restaurant ablaze and asked that the fire attendant soak her building which was on Water Street and south of Loo’s building.

The druggist claimed that the officer disregarded her request and left the building unattended causing it to be razed.

At the scene yesterday, many persons after leaving church, visited the burnt-out location.

A father of four remembered Pitt Street, particularly the stores that were destroyed, as places where persons could have purchased items at a very reasonable cost.

Referring to the stores, he said, “At J&N Supermarket, foodstuff was affordable, other residents and I are surely going to miss it, Hazrat and Haribol had the cheapest clothing and household articles I am saddened at their loss and wish them every success as they rebuild.”

On Saturday, Minister of Tourism and Industry, Manzoor Nadir visited the burnt out areas and spoke with a number of the victims.