DANGRIGA, Stann Creek District, Fri. May 3, 2019– The popular Wadani Shed located at the corner of St. Vincent Street and Mangrove Road in Dangriga was completely destroyed by fire at about 2:00 this morning. The shed, which was a timber structure with a thatch roof, burnt quickly, so little could be done to save its contents, which were also destroyed.

People in the area who saw the shed on fire called the local fire service, and the Dangriga Fire Service went quickly to the scene and the firefighters were successful in confining the fire and putting it out. Only one other building in the area, which was about 20 feet away, was partially damaged. Five other nearby structures were not affected.

Fire investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but reliable information to us is that the wiring at the shed was in good order, and so an electrical fault was not suspected. The shed, which was owned by Elvis Garcia, was rented out at the time of the fire. The value of the loss has not yet been established, but what is known is that the Wadani Shed will be missed.

The Wadani Shed is a popular recreational center for dominoes and checkers players, and drummers in Dangriga. During the annual November (Garifuna Settlement Day) celebrations in Dangriga, the Wadani Shed was the go-to place in Dangriga for drumming and other entertainment, and on the morning of November 19 it was a meeting place for the Southside of Dangriga, a place where people gathered to listen to the drums beating to the Yurumein.