POTTER'S Cay Dock vendors jumped into action to clean up debris left behind by Sunday's destructive fire after allegedly waiting on government to initiate efforts.

Three days after a structural fire burned six stalls to the ground and partially damaged two others, some of the vendors were seen yesterday clearing up the charred remains of their businesses.

Compared to the aftermath on Monday, the area was already showing marked cleanup progress.

Marvin Cartwright, owner of Makaveli’s Restaurant and Bar, said tourist reaction to the fire damage gave him the motivation to get started.

He said: “After three days of waiting on the promises by the Ministry of Health and the minister responsible for Agriculture and Fisheries Mr (Michael) Pintard. After the promises from him and four days then passed. Keep calling our phone saying that they will come tomorrow.”

“We just took the initiative you know because we just tired of seeing tourists. It really wasn’t even about the clean up we just tired of seeing the tourist pass and take pictures like constantly.

“We watch yesterday over at least 50-60 different tourists and groups pass through and they just keep snapping pictures. It just wasn’t a good look because this is also a tourism place where tourist frequent.”

He also explained feeling as though officials had no compassion toward the vendors who’ve suffered this tragedy.

Mr Cartwright noted a recent meeting with the affected vendors and government officials.

“I listened to the way that Pintard and the PS (permanent secretary) …listen to the way they speak,” the owner said. “They ain’t really sound like they was sincere in what they was really dealing with. So what I did to be honest I just exploded and walked out of that meeting because I told them exactly what my thoughts were.

“I told them that I think that they were not remorseful and told them that I think they had no compassion, they have no heart. They don’t realise this is not a political issue. This is really families. I have three children in private school. I have school fees to pay. I have light bills to pay. I have internet to pay. Thank God I don’t have to pay rent and mortgage.”

He added: “I don’t have to rent, but some of these people they renting apartments and other stuff.”

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