He tried to clear his name, without success. The defendant in the fire at the Kabana Beach restaurant on November 5 was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison. He is at greater risk if he does not seek psychiatric treatment. His journey before the events and the numerous witnesses who identified him worked against his version of the facts.
The man arrested by the gendarmes 24 hours after the fire at the Kabana Beach restaurant, in Port-Louis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with a committal warrant, this Friday afternoon (November 8, 2024). This individual was judged in immediate appearance at the Pointe-à-Pitre court.
As a reminder, the establishment in question, located on Souffleur beach, was partially destroyed by flames on Tuesday evening (November 5); It was especially the kitchens that were affected.
The day after the disaster, the manager of the premises denounced a criminal act.
The suspect was quickly identified; several witnesses had named him.
Considered an outsider, this man, aged 32, had had a “incendiary course” before the facts, according to the Prosecutor's Office. And, in the evening, a dispute broke out between him and the restaurant staff.
He denied being responsible for the fire starting today, to no avail.
In addition, the judges ordered psychiatric care against the guilty party. Otherwise, his sentence will be increased by two additional years of imprisonment.
The owners of Kabana Beach, who have filed a civil suit, will have to wait to hope to obtain damages. Indeed, requests concerning civil interests will be the subject of a subsequent trial.
The Port-Louis town hall also denounced an attempted fire, by the same individual, on service vehicles and municipal staff, on November 3. She was also heard, without having requested financial compensation.
Certainly, Kabana Beach continues to make headlines. It is at the heart of a dispute with the municipality of Port-Louis.
Threatened with destruction, due to its installation without authorization in the 50 geometric steps zone and, moreover, on a protected natural coastal area, it owes its salvation to its many supporters, customers who appreciate the places and defenders of young people local entrepreneurs.
Return to a sensitive issue (the interviews in the following report go back to the different moments of the events reported):
Kabana Beach: between protests and support
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©Alexandre Houda (archives) – Guadeloupe La 1ère
