The University of Guyana (U G), in a statement issued Monday, said the institution shares the grief and extends deep and sincere condolences in this hour of unthinkable loss of lives, property and trauma experienced in the Mahdia fire.
On Sunday evening fire destroyed the female dorms of the Mahdia Secondary School resulting in the deaths of 19 and injuries to many, some of whom have been hospitalised.
The University has since activated several mechanisms internally and externally aimed at ascertaining any students and staff who may be directly affected and has already identified some.
A Vigil of Compassion will be held this afternoon from 6pm to 8pm at George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) at the Turkeyen Campus. Persons desirous of participating can do so via https://zoom.us/j/92423592766.
UG said its Social Work Unit in the Faculty of Social Sciences is providing support to the Ministry of Education’s Welfare Unit and has reached out to other stakeholders they are collaborating with for practicum to determine how we may support them.
Members of the University Social Work Unit will accompany the Ministry of Education Welfare team. Graduates in the Mental Health Unit of UG will also provide support to the Ministry of Health.
The Vice-Chancellor as Chair of UG’s Mental Health Task Force convened a meeting Monday with UG’s College of Behavioural Sciences and Research (CoBRES), Institute of Resiliency, Inclusion Unit and t h e Social Work Departments on development of an emergency mental plan for quick deployment which includes support to first responders.
Additionally, Dean of UG’s College of Behavioural Sciences and Research (CoBRES),Dr Katija Khan in her capacity a s President of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations, also pledged support and that of their Disaster Mental Health Committee in any way needed at this time.
UG’s College of Medical Sciences is also mobilising to lend additional medical support at the location so that there is no interrupted medical services including mental health nursing specialists are required as well as our Amerindian Studies Unit in the Faculty of Education and Humanities.
The University is also requesting the exercise of sensitivity and compassion in not sharing and circulating photos, videos and images of this terrible event.
Any civil society, religious or other entities wishing to partner with the university or in need of support are encouraged to reach out using email fixug@uog.edu.gy or WhatsApp : 5926204330.
The institution said it continues to develop responses as events unfold or needs demand.
