“One of the finest human attributes is that when things seem to be at their worst, that is when people are at their best,” Hon Rymer said in recognising the public-private collaboration

The minister thanked the brave, hard-working Fire Officers of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service and a strong, united Virgin Gorda community, who collectively “confronted, controlled, and conquered” the fire through teamwork.

“I thank every member of the public who contributed to the night’s success, no matter your role. It was a triumphant demonstration of the best qualities of Virgin Islanders,” he added.

Hon Kye M. Rymer thanked the brave, hard-working Fire Officers of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service and a strong, united Virgin Gorda community, who collectively 'confronted, controlled, and conquered' the fire through teamwork.

Officers & Community collaborated to battle flames - Fire Chief

In providing information about the incident, Chief Fire Officer, Mr Zebalon A. McLean, said officers received the call of a fire on Virgin Gorda at 8:20 p.m. and arrived at the scene at 8:34 p.m.

Chief McLean said that, with assistance from the community, the fire was 75 percent extinguished, and damping down commenced at about 10:00 p.m.

He explained that the fire was completely extinguished at around 12:09 a.m, “The damage of the fire resulted in the total loss of the structure and all that it contained, including a vehicle.”

Agencies present included fire officers from the BVI Airports Authority, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Auxiliary Fire Officers, VISAR personnel, business owners Mr Dwight and Ricardo Flax, the Public Works Department, other local heavy equipment owners, and many private residents of Virgin Gorda.