Eight individuals impacted by a fire at a tenement yard on Fern Circle this week have been offered temporary accommodation at the Red Cross shelter on Huldah Avenue until alternative housing is found.
The Red Cross, in a statement on Wednesday afternoon, said eight people, all of whom are men, were relocated to the shelter on Tuesday evening after it was opened at 5pm “to provide immediate assistance to those affected by a significant fire in a George Town neighborhood”.
The fire, which occurred Monday, reportedly originated from a generator at the tenement yard, the Red Cross said, resulting in the “displacement of 23 individuals after the property was condemned by the Planning Department”.
The Cayman Compass visited the property on Wednesday. However, no residents nor the owner were around at the time.
The Compass understands the residents at the property were mainly male construction workers.
The Red Cross said volunteers “worked tirelessly” on Tuesday night to transport the affected individuals to collect personal belongings before bringing them to the shelter.
“The Red Cross remains committed to providing ongoing support to those impacted by this unfortunate event and will continue to work closely with all relevant agencies to address their needs,” the statement said.
Five Red Cross shelter managers led the effort Tuesday and ensured that everyone received a hot meal for dinner, the statement added.
The Compass visited the shelter to speak with the victims, but they were not there at the time.
The Red Cross said it is actively collaborating with Hazard Management Cayman Islands and the Jamaican Consulate to coordinate any further assistance required for the affected individuals.
The Compass reached out to the Planning Department on the status of the property.
The Compass is awaiting word on whether any fire or police investigations have been launched into the incident.
The Jamaican Consulate was also contacted for comment on the situation and its efforts to render assistance.
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23 individuals in one house?, this sounds like exploitation.