By L. K. Hewlett
Recovery efforts have begun at the St. Kitts Treasury Chambers after the first floor was gutted by fire on May 18th.
The fire spread throughout the floor where the Treasury Department was located but was contained by fire services before it could spread to the two other floors.
Although the top floor which houses the Planning Unit and the basement were not affected by the blaze, the Treasury section had to be relocated to the old Development Bank Building on lower Church Street.
The section of Central Street, directly in front of the building, was cordoned off for safety purposes.
Acting Fire Chief Hester Rawlins said that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined and the Criminal Investigation Department was conducting the investigation into the origin of the fire.
Head of CID, Superintendent Joseph Richardson, said the investigation was ongoing, however indications were strong that the cause of the fire was electrical in nature and that arson was not suspected.
He said his department was still waiting for an official report by the Electricity Department and Public Works Department.
An official for the Treasury Department stated that even though the department was totally destroyed by the fire, no records were lost as their system was fully computerised. Damage costs are still being assessed, and upon completion will be handed over to the Financial Secretary.
Financial data are stored in computer mainframes, which are in various locations outside of the department in order to prevent any vital information being lost.
She went on to say that the department was fully operational in their temporary locality, and all payments had been made to individuals and companies on time. The Treasury Department is responsible for payment of civil servants and any other Government remittances.
Clean up efforts have already begun as a contracting company had been hired to remove all the burnt furniture and debris.
It is not clear whether the building will be repaired or if plans exist to construct a new facility to house the Treasury chambers and Planning Unit.
Officials expressed gratitude that no loss of life had been sustained and damage was limited to computers, desks and other furniture.
