By Mark DaCosta-On the morning of March 5, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed Mae’s School in Subryanville, Georgetown, reducing the institution to ashes.
Established in 1992 by Mayfield French Rodrigues, Mae’s School has been a cornerstone of education in Guyana, educating students from nursery through secondary levels. The school recently underwent a change in ownership, now under the Sugrim family. With an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students, Mae’s School has a reputation for excellence.
The fire reportedly started just before 8:00 AM, a time when many students were arriving for the day’s lessons. Eyewitnesses recounted seeing smoke emanating from one of the buildings, which quickly escalated into a full-blown inferno. Despite the prompt response from the Guyana Fire Service, the blaze rapidly consumed the wooden primary section and extended to the concrete secondary building, leading to their complete destruction.
In the face of this calamity, the swift actions of the school’s staff ensured the safety of all students. Teachers administrators, cleaners and other staff promptly evacuated the children, guiding them to the Farnum Playfield opposite the school premises. Parents, upon hearing the news, rushed to the scene, this publication – on the scene as the fire raged – witnessed parents appearing distressed, panicked and showing signs of intense anxiety until reunited with their children. One parent tearfully recounted the harrowing experience, expressing profound relief upon finding her child safe.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that electrical issues may have been a contributing factor. Witnesses reported observing sparks from a nearby utility pole earlier in the day, and there had been concerns about fluctuating power supply to the school in the preceding week.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand, along with other government officials, visited the site to assess the situation and offer support. She assured the public of the government’s commitment to the affected students, stating, “The government will support fully. As you know, we treat our private schools and our private school children the same way we do public schools with every intent and purpose.”
The Ministry of Education is actively working to accommodate displaced students in nearby public schools to ensure continuity in their education, especially for those preparing for critical examinations like the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).
The loss of Mae’s School extends beyond the physical destruction of its buildings; it signifies the temporary displacement of a community hub that has fostered learning for over three decades.
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance in educational institutions. As investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the fire, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist within our infrastructural systems.
In the coming days, efforts should focus on providing counseling and support services to help students and staff cope with the emotional impact of the disaster.
