Caribs rugby club-house up in flames

“Two sets of CID officers came in because it’s not just a fire, it was suspected arson. Basically when the FSO (Fire Support Officer) came from Belmont, it was more or less confirmed,” he said. Officers of the St Clair Police Station yesterday declined comment on the matter.

Pierre praised the fire service for containing the blaze which started a little after midnight.

“We received a phone call from a member of the rugby fraternity just after one this morning and they all mobilised but came to see the entire club-house up in flames. Police and fire services mobilised and fire services were excellent, they were there in about eight minutes, but unfortunately by the time they arrived, everything was engulfed and we lost everything. We lost 100 percent of about 84 to 85 years of memory - plaques, photos, touring teams, you name it, everything was lost.” Pierre was hesitant to put a figure on the damages incurred from the fire but said losing some of the cherished memorabilia was more hurtful.

“We really can’t put a value to it. We had some equipment for freezers for chilling of beverages and some rugby equipment but there is absolutely no monetary value for the memories that passed through that club,” he said.

The Caribs president continued, “I’m very much concerned because we do a lot for youth development. We have an under age team which we train Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. We had lessons taking place on a Friday for the weaker students so there is a lot going on with regards to the youth.” Caribs are currently hosting a team from Canada called Yeti but have nowhere for them to stay.

He said they will be utilising Harvard’s club in the interim. Caribs are currently embroiled in a legal matter over their use of the facility.