By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Restaurant owners whose businesses were destroyed by Sunday’s Arawak Cay fire yesterday pledged to rebuild and resume operations after suffering an estimated collective $1.5m in damages and losses.

Goldie’s Conch House, which employs about 70 staff, said in a statement it will “rebuild, return and come back stronger”. The restaurant also extended sympathy to fellow business owners impacted by the fire and said updates on the restoration process will be shared in the coming days. 

“Goldie's has always been more than a restaurant; it's a gathering place, a family legacy and a piece of the Bahamian story. Seeing it impacted in this way is truly heartbreaking, but we are choosing hope. We are choosing resilience. And we are choosing to move forward with determination,” said Goldie’s.

“This chapter is painful, but it is not the end. We will rebuild, return and come back stronger. In the days ahead, we will share updates on our progress and ways you can support or get involved. For now, we ask for your continued prayers as we begin the process of restoration.”

Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable and Food Vendors Association, and owner of Red Snapper, which was partially lost to the fire, also revealed plans to rebuild his business.

Mr Russell estimated his losses at $300,000, and damages across the strip at collectively $1.5m.  He noted that although vendors affected by the fire lost all assets, equipment and structures, they are “extremely resilient” and will rebuild and continue to serve the public.

“It took some 34 years to build what we have. Everything was lost - equipment, products and the structure - so now this whole place have to be rebuilt,” said Mr Russell. “We only need the public to be patient with us. We are extremely resilient.”

Restaurants at Arawak Cay not affected by the fire also spoke out, highlighting that the incident exposed serious gaps in emergency resources, especially the lack of reliable access to fresh water during fires.

Joey’s Seafood Restaurant and Lounge, in a statement, voiced gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly to contain the situation but noted the critical need for improved emergency resources on New Providence. 

It called for action to address these gaps, advocating for the development of better infrastructure and emergency preparedness systems. 

“As business owners of the community that is the ‘Fish Fry’, we all care deeply about the safety and resilience of Arawak Cay. This community is a cornerstone of our culture, tourism and national identity. Strengthening our preparedness today protects our businesses and our people tomorrow. We remain committed to doing our part and working alongside the wider community to support a safer and more resilient Arawak Cay,” said Joey’s Seafood Restaurant and Lounge.

“Our hearts are with the vendors, employees and patrons affected by the fire. May you rebuild stronger and better than before. We stand with you during this difficult time, willing to assist however we can.”