By Kimberly Ramkhalawan
May 23, 2023
A rural community in Guyana is today trying to wrap its hearts and minds around one of the most tragic incidents to rock the south American nation this year. This as 19 female students of the Mahdia Secondary School died following its dormitory becoming engulfed in flames shortly after 10pm on Sunday.
Initial reports stated that 20 students had passed, with this being corrected to 19 girls having died in the blaze, along with a five-year-old boy, Adonijah Jerome, son of one of the caretakers at the school.
Reports from investigating police and fire officials say the fire was ‘maliciously set” and allegedly by a fellow student in retaliation for her phone being confiscated by school officials following inappropriate behaviour metted out at the school.
Police have said that they have a suspect in questioning, who was also injured as a result of the deadly blaze. They have also indicated that the suspect was also recently caught messaging an older male and was the reason behind the cellular phone being confiscated two days before the blaze.
The Mahdia Secondary School is said to be located in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Upon hearing of the incident, the Guyanese government is said to have sprung into immediate action, mobilizing a “full-scale medical evacuation-supported response” with its “Cabinet being continuously being briefed and kept updated on a horrific fire at the dormitory in Mahdia”, with Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, visiting the students, who were taken to the Mahdia District Hospital for treatment, and met with their families.
The school which was built with the intentions of bridging the gap in education to those in the interior with housing for those who lived far in surrounding indigenous villages of Micobie, Chenapou and Karisparu, targeted the indigenous peoples of the land, with girls ranging in ages 12 to 18 and mostly of Ameridian decent staying at the schools’ dorm.
However, with some 56 students staying at the building, a concrete and wooden structure with five doors, as well as burglar proofed windows, escaping the flames seemed impossible. Emergency responders were said to be initially hampered by inclement weather. However, when they arrived, firefighters began breaking holes into the north eastern wall of the building in attempts to rescue 20 other students. In all it is said to have been a battle for firefighters present, as it took over three hours to control the blaze.
According to Guyana Fire Services, 14 children died at the scene while five died while receiving treatment at the Mahdia District Hospital. In total, 21 children were rescued from the burning building with some remaining in the care of the Mahdia District Hospital, while others in a more serious state, were airlifted to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
During the press conference, President Dr. Irfaan Ali shared that it was expected that DNA analysis will be required for 13 of the girls who died, as they were burnt beyond recognition.
Dr.Ali had visited the scene, and in having a press conference after speaking with the affected families, declared three days of national mourning, with the flag to be flown at half staff at all public buildings commencing 4pm on Monday.
Speaking to the media, a deeply shaken President described it as his saddest day as president, and committed to ensuring that adequate support is provided to those affected by the horrific fire at the Mahdia Secondary School’s dormitory. In his words, President Ali shared “I’m committing, as I have done to the family members already, our full unconditional, unhindered support for the families and these children; whether it be medical, social, counseling, financial, transportation, accommodation- whatever the form of support required, the state will provide that support to the families, to the children.”
The names of the students who perished in the blaze have been listed as Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delicia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha Dandrade, Loreen Evans, Belnisa Evans, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherina Daniels, Eulander Carter, Andrea Roberts and Rita Jeffrey.
The situation has been one that has been getting international news coverage, while numerous letters of expressed sympathy from leaders in the region have been shared with the Guyanese community, including Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell sharing the deep sadness felt upon hearing the news. In a statement, PM Mitchell said “Our hearts go out to the entire community of Mahdia, especially the families and loved ones who will be eternally affected by this devastating incident. We extend our deepest condolences during this time of profound grief and loss.
The Government and People of Grenada continue to monitor this unfolding tragedy and stand in solidarity with our affected brothers and sisters in Guyana, offering our support and sympathies as the community navigates this period of immense sorrow. May the souls of all lives lost in this tragic fire rest in peace, and may their memories be a source of inspiration for a safer future”.
In Trinidad and Tobago, former Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar offered her condolences standing in solidarity with our neighbours in Guyana during this difficult day. In expressing her sympathies, Persad Bissessar shared that “as a parent myself, I can only imagine the pain and grief that the families of these children are feeling. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time, and I pray that you find the strength and courage to face the days ahead. I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones as well as to the entire nation of Guyana. May the souls of the departed children find eternal peace”.