CAGI concerned over inefficient response to Lombard St fire
Stabroek News
November 19, 2003
The Secretariat and the Council of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) is concerned over the lack of efficiency of the Guyana Water Inc, the Fire Service and the Ministry of Home Affairs in dealing with fires in the city and the absence of preparatory systems.
It has also joined other groups in commiserating with Brian James, Edward Boyer and Nazar Mohamed following the destruction of their businesses by fire last week.
James was the owner of Auto Supplies Co and a partner with Eddie Boyer in Royal Castle, while Moha-med was the owner of Mohamed's Enterprise. All three businesses were des-troyed in a fire on Thursday night.
A CAGI release yesterday said that the organisation especially regretted the destruction of the landmark building and firm of Auto Supplies.
In its capacity as an employers' organisation, CAGI is particularly concerned at the fate of those thrown out of employment as a result of the fire.
According to the release, "the loss of jobs is a serious trauma for families who have to provide for their needs. Their financial obligations are many, and Guyana is not prosperous enough to afford unemployment benefits."
CAGI, the release said, hopes that the new Royal Castle site in Sheriff Street will be accelerated for completion in order to absorb the staff now unemployed.