Omar’s BVI’s newly established Virgin Gorda location and long-standing local business Game Over were destroyed in a devastating fire on Thursday, August 6, leaving the Virgin Gorda community mourning the loss of two businesses while rallying around those affected.

The cause of the fire has not been established publicly, and investigations remain ongoing.

In the aftermath of the blaze, Game Over owner Odai Moh Bazzar has broken his silence, saying he initially chose not to make a public statement because he wanted authorities to be given the opportunity to properly investigate what happened.

However, Bazzar said the magnitude of the incident and the overwhelming support from the Virgin Gorda community compelled him to speak.

“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 said.

Praise for firefighters and police

Bazzar, who remained at the scene throughout the incident, said he personally witnessed the efforts of firefighters and police officers as they battled the blaze and worked to keep the situation under control.

According to Bazzar, more than eight firefighters and six fire trucks were involved in the response. He also singled out firefighters from the airport for their assistance, as well as police officers who worked to manage the crowd and maintain public safety.

He extended particular thanks to Dwight and his team for their efforts.

His comments come against the backdrop of Virgin Gorda’s history of strong community involvement during major fires. During a previous major fire on the island, government officials similarly praised the cooperation between fire officers, police, airport firefighters, Public Works personnel, heavy-equipment operators and private residents.  

For Bazzar, the response on Thursday reinforced the importance of that community spirit.

“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.”

A personal thank-you

Bazzar also offered an emotional thank-you to his sister, Lilany Steven, for remaining by his side throughout the ordeal.

He described her as his “big sister” and thanked her for standing with him and refusing to leave him alone during what was undoubtedly an extremely difficult moment.

His message then turned to the wider Virgin Gorda community.

He thanked customers, friends, employees, residents and others who called, sent messages, visited the scene, prayed for the affected businesses or simply offered words of encouragement.

Omar’s Virgin Gorda expansion cut short

The fire comes just as Omar’s was expanding its presence to Virgin Gorda.

The restaurant group’s official website describes Omar’s VG as its newest location, bringing its established culinary brand to the island. The business was located in Spanish Town and offered breakfast, lunch and dinner, including American, locally inspired and Indian cuisine.  

Omar’s BVI traces its beginnings to Omar’s Cafe and says founder Omar spent years working in leading restaurants in the BVI before becoming an entrepreneur. The company has since expanded its restaurant operations across the territory.  

Game Over, meanwhile, has been a recognizable Virgin Gorda business for years. Previous BVI Beacon classified advertisements listed Game Over Department Store as operating in Valley, Virgin Gorda, including vacancies for sales representatives and other positions.  

The loss therefore represents more than the destruction of physical structures. For employees, customers and the wider community, the fire has affected businesses that had become part of everyday life on Virgin Gorda.

“We may have lost material things, but we did not lose”

Despite the devastation, Bazzar’s message was ultimately one of gratitude and resilience.

He acknowledged the enormous material loss but said the support shown by Virgin Gorda residents had demonstrated something far more valuable.

“We may have lost material things, but we did not lose.”

Then came the central message of his statement:

“WE WON.”

Bazzar said the community had given him something that no fire could destroy — the love, support and kindness of the people of Virgin Gorda.

“We won the love, support, and beautiful hearts of the people of Virgin Gorda. And that is something no fire can ever take away from us.”

He closed his message with a declaration that captures the mood of a community now facing the difficult task of rebuilding.

“One love, Virgin Gorda.

We will rise again. Stronger. Bigger. Together.”

As investigations into Thursday’s fire continue, attention will now turn to determining how the blaze started and assessing the full extent of the losses.

But amid the destruction, Bazzar’s message has highlighted another story emerging from the ashes — one of firefighters putting themselves in harm’s way, police working to protect the public, airport personnel joining the response, and a Virgin Gorda community coming together when two of its businesses were devastated.

For Game Over and Omar’s VG, the physical rebuilding may take time.

But for Bazzar, the spirit of Virgin Gorda has already made one thing clear: the fire may have destroyed buildings, but it did not destroy the community.