The scene of devastation at Sand Banks, Abaco.
By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
THE 23-year-old Abaco man charged in connection with the latest shanty town blaze was remanded to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre yesterday. Joel Josue of Sand Bank, Treasure Cay, was arraigned before Magistrate Evans in Marsh Harbour Magistrate’s Court with damaging and endangering property by the wilful and negligent use of fire.
According to police reports, Josue pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to the mental health facility until May 22. Josue was represented by lawyer Kara Butler.
The fire that destroyed more than 70 shanty town homes in Sand Bank on Sunday has left 104 adults, 36 children of school age and 15 infants homeless, according to officials.
On Tuesday, Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin said that all the basic needs of the displaced residents are being met.
North Abaco Island administrator, Neil Campbell, said the “very big” Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in the area has been opened as a shelter for the displaced.
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