Government
Another Historic building gutted by Fire in Grand Turk
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 2, 2023 – It may be time for the government to look into fireproofing its treasured structures as Grand Turk is in danger of losing its historical charm if the arsonists continue to wreak havoc on the community. Just months after the Victoria Public Library was completed its years long restoration, another historical building in Grand Turk has been gutted completely.
Videos and photos of the blaze reached Magnetic Media early Monday morning and news stations across the country picked up the shocking images which seemed to have been shot before daylight; the yellow-organge flames stark
By 11 am, Royal TCI Police would confirm the fire but not what exactly had burnt, only saying “The Historical Building located on Front Street, Grand Turk was completely gutted by fire this morning and indicated that officers conducting the investigation suspect arson.
Civilian reports indicate it was the Miramar building that was left a charred, smouldering mess and residents were quick to point out that courtesy of the Miramar building perched on Front Street, the fire could have had devastating effects had it spread as the entirety of the street is considered a historical treasure and tinder box, as these iconic structures are wooden and unprotected.
Former Chief Minister and Grand Turk native, Derek Taylor shared, “The building that was destroyed by fire, is one of our historical buildings, dating back to the nineteenth century and the property of the Grants and Godets families. It’s a property, that my Great Grand Mother ‘Mary Hall’, late of Middle Caicos, owned at one stage, when she relocated to Grand Turk. This is now history.” He said.
Taylor also explained that the Victoria Public Library, also a victim of arson, is complete but the date for opening has not yet been set.