Ali accedes to Norton’s request for Independence Day to be reflection on Mahdia tragedy

Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton, in a statement issued Monday morning called for the 26^th May, Independence Day, to be made a “Day of National Mourning in solidarity and support with the families, friends, relatives, the citizens of Mahdia and Region #8 and all Guyanese and a Day of Support to the injured, their families, friends, relatives and the people of Region 8.”

Last Sunday evening the female dormitory at Mahdia Secondary School was razed by fire. The tragedy resulted in the death of 19 and injuries to more than 15.

Monday afternoon President Irfaan Ali declared three days of national mourning which began from 4:00 p.m. that day and will end on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Ali updating the nation on the tragedy, announced the Independence Flag Ceremony in Lethem, Region Nine, will be a night of remembrance and prayer. According to Ali, “this independence will now be dedicated through prayer and remembrance to these our beautiful children of Guyana.”

The first funeral, that of Sabrina John, will take place today in Karisparu. There will also be a flower-laying ceremony today at the Mahdia Hostel in memory of the victims. The Ambassadors, Honourary Consuls, and other members of the diplomatic corps in Guyana are expected to be in attendance.

The Government continues to attract criticism for the way officials are handling the tragedy. Concerns are expressed regarding attempts to divert attention from the safety standards that resulted in the children unable to escape the heavily wrought iron grill building and focusing on an allegation a child may have set the fire without enough attention to the children’s welfare and other contributory factors that resulted in the inferno, injuries and deaths, and resultant trauma. Some government officials have also invaded the crime scene which could compromise evidence collection in determining the cause of the fire.

Organisations and citizens, in expressing condolences to the victims’ families and community, have also called for a full and thorough investigation, including a commission of inquiry.