“Our Family Lived in This Home for Generations, Now We’ve Lost It All”

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BIMINI, BAHAMAS – A family compound that had been home to generations of Bimini residents has now been reduced to ashes, after an early morning fire ripped through the property on Kings Highway in Bailey Town, Bimini shortly after 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, destroying four homes and leaving several families with nothing.

Among those affected is Hyriam Rolle, Coalition of Independent candidates for Bimini and the Berry Islands.

Rolle says the fire destroyed several homes on his family’s compound, including his sister’s house, along with three Airbnb rentals, wiping out years of memories in just a matter of minutes.

Hyram Rolle – Bimini Fire Victim

“ When I drove by and saw it was my, my sister place, you know, it just was overwhelming to get. It’s just nothing you really could have done. It started from the inside and it just burst in flames. I was pretty hurt.”

As word of the fire spread, social media quickly filled with photos and videos of the massive blaze, capturing the heartbreak as flames consumed the family compound.

With no fire truck immediately available. Our News received these video images showing residents, tourists, and volunteers formed a human chain, passing buckets of water in a desperate effort to slow the fire.

Rolle says the property had been in his family for generations.

While the loss is devastating, Rolle says what stood out most was the way the Bimini community rallied to help.

Hyram Rolle – Bimini Fire Victim

“ It was amazing. It was amazing to see the community of Bimini, the strangers, the tourists, everybody, the Haitian community. It was amazing. And that what made me shed tears more or less than the place burning down, to see how Bimini really come together and try to help.”

Now, the family is focused on recovering from the loss, and beginning the long process of rebuilding.

Hyram Rolle – Bimini Fire Victim

“ We’re gonna have a meeting with the whole family, and we’re gonna get together and see what all resources we need to rebuild.”