The Barbados Archives Department has been extensively damaged in a blaze that gutted one of the buildings overnight.

The fire at the Black Rock facility is believed to have started around midnight

So devastating has been the loss that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Officer, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, who has responsibility for the department, was visibly distraught while speaking to journalists at the scene.

On the verge of tears she explained the extent of the loss.

Senator, Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight being moved to tears over the extensive damage to the Barbados Archives.

Chief Archivist at the Barbados Archives Department, Ingrid Thompson says the fire, caused by a lightning strike, destroyed a block and a large number of records from the Queen Elizabeth and Psychiatric Hospitals and other agencies.

She too emphasized the significance of the loss and noted that the department was preparing to digitize its records.

Chief Archivist at the Barbados Archives Department, Ingrid Thompson.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, says there will be a full investigation and report on the matter.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams