Homes razed, church targeted in suspected arson attacks

2026-03-22 - 23:24

Senior Multimedia Reporter radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt A series of suspected arson attacks across south Trinidad over the weekend has left a family displaced, a church shaken, and multiple properties destroyed, as police investigate three separate incidents in Claxton Bay, Siparia and San Fernando. The most recent fire occurred on Saturday afternoon at Sutton Street, San Fernando, where a wooden house was destroyed and three nearby homes damaged. Residents said the blaze broke out shortly after a police operation at the property. A source, who spoke with Guardian Media on condition of anonymity, said the house had been occupied by new tenants following the death of a Muslim couple who lived there three years ago. Around 4 pm, officers conducted a raid at the premises. Approximately an hour later, flames were seen engulfing the structure. A man who operated a small food cart on the property said he lost everything in the blaze, including the cart, which was outfitted with electricity and two refrigerators. “I don’t know how I will replace what I lost,” he said, adding that the occupants of the house are currently on holiday and were expected to return. However, a police source denied any involvement in the fire, stating that while illicit activities had been reported at the location and a raid was carried out, officers did not set the building ablaze. In a separate incident on Friday night, a suspected arson attack targeted the Sacred Choice of Heaven Mt Lebanon Spiritual Baptist Church in Springvale, Claxton Bay. Quick action by the Fire Service prevented significant damage to the 81-year-old structure. According to reports, the church had been secured earlier in the week, but around 10 pm a deacon received a call alerting him to a fire inside the prayer area. Firefighters responded swiftly and extinguished the blaze. Several plastic bottles containing gasoline were later discovered inside the building. Neighbour Greeta Brown, 83, said she was alerted by her daughter. “I was asleep and my daughter called to say there was a fire. I called the fire service,” she said. Despite being nearby, Brown said she and others were unable to intervene. “It was two young ladies and me. I am 83—we could not do anything,” she added. Brown, whose grandmother once owned the church, said the building holds deep sentimental value. “The church belonged to my grandmother, so if it had burnt, it would have been very distressing,” she said, noting that only a handful of members still attend services regularly. In a statement, Bishop Claudette Toby Greene described the attack as “deeply disturbing,” noting the church’s legacy of more than eight decades of service. “Our ministry is a sacred space—one of peace, refuge and unity. To have that sanctuary threatened in this manner is deeply distressing,” she said. She praised the Fire Service for its prompt response and confirmed that the church is cooperating fully with investigators. Despite the incident, she said the congregation remains steadfast. “Though the flames may touch the building, they cannot consume the spirit of God within His people. We remain covered, we remain called, and we will continue in love,” Greene added. Meanwhile, another fire on Friday evening destroyed the home of Alison McCarthy and her common-law husband Gregory Zamore at La Brea Trace, Siparia, leaving their family of seven homeless. The fire began around 7.20 pm. McCarthy said she had left earlier with their children when she received a call that the house was on fire. “I think it was deliberate... people were threatening to burn down the house and kill everybody,” she said, linking the attack to an ongoing land dispute. Zamore said the family had reported repeated threats to police in the days leading up to the fire. “Just the day before, there were threats to burn down the house,” he said. The blaze destroyed all of the family’s belongings, including appliances, furniture, clothing and legal documents tied to an ongoing High Court matter. Zamore, who is unable to work due to past injuries, said the loss has been devastating. The couple’s five children, aged between three and 12, are now staying at the Quarry Village Community Centre as they struggle to rebuild. “We don’t really have anywhere to go... everything we had is gone,” McCarthy said. The incident has also resurfaced painful memories for the family. Zamore recalled that his uncle, Alexander Robinson, who once lived on the same property, disappeared in 2004 and was never found. Police are continuing investigations into all three fires. No one has been arrested in connection with the incidents. Anyone wishing to assist the Zamore family can call 304-4846 or donate to Alison McCarthy’s Republic Bank Siparia chequing account #270040484701.