GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – A report from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was established to look into the events and circumstances connected with and concerning the Mahdia dormitory fire that claimed 20 young lives in May 2023 was handed over to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday.
During a ceremony at State House –Chairman of the Commission Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh handed the report to Ali, accompanied by the other commissioners, attorney Dr. Kim Kyte-Thomas, and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John.
According to Singh, the printed version of the report was unanimously supported by all commissioners who received their Instruments of Appointments on August 10, 2023 and began public hearings on September 15 and November 10, 2023.
During his remarks, Singh addressed some of the findings and recommendations and reasserted that the fire was an act of arson.
He stated that although there were inadequacies in fire prevention at the dorms, a better-equipped facility would have delivered a similar result.
This is particularly so because there were noted delays in contacting and seeking assistance from firefighters and, later, accessing the building.
After hearing from 29 witnesses, reviewing several recordings, reports, and statements, and making two visits to Mahdia, Singh said sufficient evidence supported the findings and recommendations.
Even though the fire was long-determined to be an act of arson, Singh said the events and circumstances leading up to the fire were “unfortunate.”
To this end, he said the commission examined several factors, including the influence of the mining culture on communities, the vulnerability of youth, the influence of adults who groom young females and are sometimes supported by family members who benefit financially, and the negligence of particular officials and fire readiness.
“We hope that this report from the inquiry will be an instrument to changes necessary in ensuring there will be no recurrence of such a tragedy,”
“We recommend and urge that a suitable memorial be erected on the site of the female dormitory as an act of remembrance and a reminder to us that there is nothing more important than caring for and mentoring our children,” Singh said.
Ali, who spoke shortly after receiving the report, said the issues highlighted are already being addressed holistically.
“Moving forward, based on the report, we have already identified another challenge… that is the boys… there are several recommendations [the Minister of Education has brought] to deal with boys not attending school due to what took place, and we are looking at how we holistically address this issue. “Ali said.
The President’s concern is that children remain in a learning environment and not distracted.
“This is sadly a tragic part of our history…we have to mark this, unfortunately, as part of us now, part of our country, and we have to mark it with a commitment to doing everything to prevent such a recurrence, including behavioral change,” the President said.
In this regard, he called on parents to ensure they show children “tough love” to engender the change needed.
According to the Terms of Reference, the CoI was required to inquire into and report on everything leading up to the dormitory fire as well as the cause of the fire.
They were also tasked to investigate and report on what actions were taken to promptly provide care, medical attention, and support to the injured and deceased and their relatives.
The full report will be made public shortly.
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