An apparent arson attempt has left a popular Castries business counting its losses but refusing to close its doors.
The Briefcase, a High Street establishment known for providing passport and visa application assistance, photography services, printing and other document-related support, was targeted in the early hours of Friday morning in what the proprietor describes as a deliberate act of arson.
Proprietor Cindy Alcindor-Gabriel said the incident occurred at approximately 2:29 a.m. when an individual allegedly introduced a flammable substance into the building through a window, sparking a fire that damaged sections of the premises.
Despite the setback, Alcindor-Gabriel says the business remains determined to move forward.
“We are not giving up; we are working from outside the building,” she said, noting that operations will continue.
Surveillance footage captured around the time of the incident may prove critical to the investigation. According to the proprietor, video evidence exists that could assist authorities in determining exactly what transpired.
This is not the first time Alcindor-Gabriel has been the victim of an arson attack. About three years ago, her bread caravan at the entrance to Monchy, was targeted in a similar incident. The perpetrators were reportedly captured on security cameras.
While the full extent of the damage to the Briefcase is still being assessed, Alcindor-Gabriel says her immediate focus is returning to normal operations as quickly as possible.
Police are actively investigating the matter.
Stay with Saint Lucia Daily Post for further updates on this developing story.
