PORTLAND, Jamaica — Member of Parliament (MP) for Portland Eastern, Ann-Marie Vaz, said she is in dialogue with several stakeholders to assist persons affected by the blaze at the Musgrave Market in Port Antonio, Portland on Sunday.

The blaze spread to nearby establishments, damaging sections of Kamal’s Supermarket and Cambio, and Portland Jewelers. The police, who cordoned off sections of West Street in the town, described the scene as chaotic, noting that they tried to prevent persons from re-entering the blaze to recover items from affected businesses.

READ: WATCH: Widespread looting amid blaze at market in Portland

In a release on Sunday, Vaz expressed thanks that no lives were lost in the fire and assured persons affected by the blaze that she would be doing everything to assist them, including donating the first year of her salary increase as MP.

“We give God thanks that no life was lost in the tragic fire which started in the historic Musgrave Market and affected other nearby businesses in Port Antonio, Portland on Sunday. The fire caused significant damage to the market and nearby businesses,” Vaz stated.

“I am devastated for all who are affected by this tragedy. I will be donating the entire first year increase in my salary to the vendors who are affected by the fire at the market as a start to help those affected,” she added.

Vaz said she has started talks with the relevant Government agencies as well as various private sector stakeholders as she seeks funding to assist as many people as possible in the shortest time. She also vowed to rebuild the market and make it better for both vendors and customers.