GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – President Dr. Irfaan Ali has promised affected families and Guyanese extensive a “balanced, impartial and thorough” examination into the circumstances surrounding the tragic fire at the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School in Region Eight that claimed the lives of 20 children.
The President committed on Thursday after the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) members were sworn in at the Office of the President.
The President also acknowledged that the tragedy plunged the entire country into mourning.
“Our entire nation was thrown into deep grief, but none more grave than the families of those who lost loved ones in the fire.”
However, he believes that the time is right to conduct that “balanced, impartial and thorough” examination of the fire and its events.
Ali said his government wanted to give the families enough time and space before pursuing an inquiry that could potentially “aggravate” their trauma.
With the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry, the President has asked people to cooperate with the Commissioners, and he also urged the Commissioners to work diligently.
He also told reporters that the Commissioners will visit Region Eight as part of their inquiry, and the work of the Commission should span about two months.
Previously, Ali said the findings of the Commission of Inquiry will inform the government’s actions moving forward as it continues to support the affected families and communities.
In May, 19 girls and a five-year-old boy lost their lives in the fire that destroyed the building. Several others were injured, with one 13-year-old girl still receiving care abroad.
It was reported that the fire was started by a young student who has since been charged with 20 counts of murder.
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