Crapaud Village house goes up in flames

A 26-year-old Speyside barber has been displaced after his two-bedroom home went up in flames.

Kwesi Campbell, who also works for the THA Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and the Environment, was one of the fourth generation of his family to live in the house, said to be the oldest in Crapaud Village.

Communications officer in the Tobago Division of the Fire Services David Thomas said fire officials received a distress call just after 11pm on Monday. But at that time the major appliance was battling a bush fire at Parlatuvier which was threatening three houses.

He said a makeshift crew had to be called out and a smaller appliance was sent to the house, while a call also had to be made to WASA to boost the water supply in the area. Thomas said eventually, the major appliance was able to respond, but the time it arrived, the house was destroyed.

Campbell was not at home at the time of the blaze.

Losses have been estimated at approximately $70,000. Thomas said an investigations into the cause of the blaze has begun, and some items from the scene were collected to be analysed before a conclusion could be drawn.

He reiterated the call for the public not to light outdoor fires. Thomas said this is forcing the use of additional resources as well as having to call out officers who are off duty.

He said the shortage of water contributed to the house being destroyed.

Speaking with Newsday, electoral representative for the area Farley Augustine said he looked on helplessly as the fire razed the house.

“It was all burnt flat within 15 minutes, and the fire was raging so much that we could not even form a bucket brigade,” he said.

Augustine said the house was the oldest in the village and had sentimental value.

“Kwesi Campbell was living in the house alone. His sister and her two children had only recently moved out. He is the fourth generation of the family to occupy the home.”

Augustine said Campbell slept by his godfather Jose Andrews on Monday and other accommodation was found for him on Tuesday morning.

“I placed him in an apartment.

“Usually the Department of Social Services will cover rent for a while until a stable long-term solution is found, but I am prepared to foot the bill of his rental should the paperwork and bureaucracy take a little long. I also gave him foodstuff and several articles of clothing and toiletries,” he said, adding that other villagers and Tobagonians are coming forward to help.

“I will be starting a fund for the rebuilding exercise so that he can be returned to his home in the shortest possible timeframe,” he said.

Augustine said Campbell has since met with officials from the social services and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA).

“They have responded quickly to my calls for help. So kudos to them,” Augustine said.