Investigators from the United States Alcohol Tobacco and Firearm (ATF) International Response Team, have determined that the two fires which recently gutted the Grenada Boys Secondary School (GBSS) were deliberately set.

The 5 ATF officials along with two officers from the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) handed in their report to government at the conclusion of their investigation that was carried out between July 10-13.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, National Security Minister, Senator Einstein Louison said the investigators determined that both fires were incendiary.
GBSS has had two suspicious fires this year - one on April 19 that gutted part of the school and the other on June 9 which completely destroyed the institution.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell had vowed then to seek international assistance to determine the cause of the fire with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice.

Sen. Louison disclosed that after a thorough investigation, the investigators were able to determine that the April 19 fire started in a classroom in the Social Science department. He pointed out that his Ministry views the findings as extremely serious in light of the revelation that the fires were intentionally set.

The National Security Minister stated that those criminal acts cost the country in excess of US$1 million which is a tremendous burden to the nation trying to recover from the impact of hurricanes Ivan and Emily. The senior government Minister noted that the fires had resulted in serious disruption to the education system.

He insisted that the Ministry of National Security does not intend to take the matter lightly since in recent times, he had heard statements by persons calling for civil disobedience.

"In that context, you never know how young minds, how people interpret these statements and therefore what could be done", he remarked. Sen. Louison was quick to point out however that there was no evidence to suggest that the fires were politically motivated.

He admitted that at the police force have no suspects or leads and as such are far away from making an arrest.

The senior government minister promised that RGPF will continue with its investigation in order to prevent those involved from repeating what he described as a malicious and callous act.