Gov’t announced DNA results received and all bodies positively identified

The Ministry of Health has announced the Government on Friday obtained the DNA results, matching the names of thirteen bodies from the Mahdia fire tragedy that were previously not visually identified.  The Government said it is in a position now to release these bodies to the families of the deceased for funeral arrangements.

DNA analyses were conducted on fourteen bodies, the thirteen bodies of girls from the Mahdia fire and one body of a boy child who died in the fire as well. The samples from the forensic specimens were obtained from thirteen bodies by a Specialist Pathologist through a bilateral arrangement between Guyana from Barbados while another forensic specimen was obtained from a young boy and was taken by Guyanese Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh. These specimens (obtained) were compared to DNA samples taken from parents and siblings.

The DNA analyses were conducted by the Pathology Laboratory of the internationally-recognised Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. Dr. Carlos Cordon-Cardo, Professor and Systems Chair, and internationally renowned for DNA analyses, led a team of experts in conducting the analyses.

Forensic examination and analyses were done by a pathologist from Barbados, Dr Shubhaker Karra Paul, who came to Guyana under the auspices of the RSS. Guyanese Dr Nehaul Singh completed initial set of post-mortems in Mahdia. The Mount Sinai team provided expertise to complete the DNA analyses. Hess Corporation provided transportation to air-dash and transport the specimens and samples from Georgetown to New York.

The government said arrangements have been put in place by the Guyana Police Force for families to take possession of bodies when and where, in accordance with their wishes. The government said it would be providing assistance and support to all families for funerals over the following days.