Owner Praises Community
A devastating fire on Thursday, August 6, destroyed Omar’s BVI’s new Virgin Gorda location in Spanish Town and the long-standing Game Over department store, leaving the island community reeling. Game Over owner Odai Moh Bazzar praised firefighters, police and residents for their response and urged unity as investigations into the cause continue.
A major blaze on Thursday, August 6, destroyed two well-known Virgin Gorda businesses — Omar’s BVI’s newly opened Spanish Town location and the long-standing Game Over department store — prompting an outpouring of support across the island and renewed attention to recovery and investigation efforts.
Game Over owner Odai Moh Bazzar, who remained at the scene during the incident, spoke publicly after initially withholding comment to allow authorities to investigate. He said the scale of the response and the community’s support compelled him to address residents directly. "No one should blame anyone.
Things happen, and unfortunately we cannot change what already happened. What matters now is being grateful for the people who were there and gave everything they could to protect our community," he told reporters and neighbours. Bazzar singled out the fire service and police for their actions during the emergency.
He said more than eight firefighters and six fire trucks were involved in fighting the blaze, and that airport firefighters also assisted. Police officers worked to manage crowds and maintain public safety, he added, and he offered particular thanks to "Dwight and his team" for their efforts.
The island’s coordinated response follows a pattern seen in past major fires on Virgin Gorda, when government officials similarly praised cooperation between fire officers, police, airport personnel, Public Works crews, heavy-equipment operators and private residents. Bazzar said he believed their work prevented the blaze from doing far greater harm: "Without the firefighters, I truly believe this could have been much worse.
The whole Valley could have been affected. I watched them fight to protect Virgin Gorda, and I will never forget that." Omar’s expansion to Virgin Gorda had been recent; the Spanish Town restaurant offered breakfast, lunch and dinner with American, locally inspired and Indian dishes as part of the wider Omar’s BVI group.
Game Over, listed for years in local classifieds and a familiar presence in Valley, represented long-standing local retail and employment. The losses are therefore both material and sentimental for employees, customers and residents. Bazzar paid personal thanks to his sister, Lilany Steven, for staying with him at the scene and to the many who called, visited, prayed or sent messages.
He concluded with a message of resilience: "We may have lost material things, but we did not lose… WE WON. We won the love, support, and beautiful hearts of the people of Virgin Gorda. Together." Investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing. Authorities and community leaders will now work to determine how the blaze started and to assess the full extent of the damage as recovery and rebuilding plans begin.
Primary source: Guavaberry