Shoemaker’s shop burnt to the ground

A Seaview Gardens-based shoemaker is left distressed after his business place was allegedly set ablaze early yesterday morning.

When THE STAR visited the community yesterday, Almando Bailey stood staring at the spot where his shop once stood.

He estimated the damages to be approximately $400,000, stating that many new shoes were destroyed in the blaze.

"The machines and the people dem shoes burn up. I know some persons will give and take about the situation but I don't know about the others because there are persons who give me their shoes to fix for school. Some of these shoes are new so I am going to have to pay back for them," he said.

Bailey, who operated from a board structure, said he was unable to save anything, while adding that the items in his storeroom were also destroyed.

"I was at home when I got the call about 1 a.m. Sunday. By the time I get there, the entire place was already on fire and the firemen were trying to out the fire but it did too late because the shop that build out of board burn down completely. The next one make out of metal but nothing still never spare except the building," he said.

The distraught shoemaker said although he currently does not see a way out, he looks forward to rebuilding his establishment in the near future.

"Is this same spot mi a go build it back. Mi already start clean up the place and I know that the Almighty will see me through and I will get back on my feet," he said.

The Seaview Gardens police said they are now trying to locate a man who they suspect may have set fire to the shop.