San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Fri. Sept. 3, 2021– On Thursday morning, as daybreak was approaching, the San Pedro Fire Department was alerted of a fire on Rainbow Street on the island.

Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found a small wooden structure that was the base of operations for Jay’s Store engulfed in flames. The owner of the store, Yesica Cordon, said she was asleep when she received a call from her sister, who informed her of the blaze at the store.

The wooden structure and its contents were completely destroyed. Authorities are currently investigating this matter. After initially canvassing the scene, National Fire Service investigators have concluded that the fire was deliberately set.

According to Cordon, the building, which was uninsured, was valued at BZ$10,000 and its contents valued at an additional $25,000. The total losses from the arson totaled approximately BZ$35,000.