…1st funeral to take place today
Following the harrowing Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) dormitory fire on Sunday evening, seven survivors have been discharged from hospital and are recovering well, with Government offering continued support to ensure their holistic recovery.
This update was provided by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday evening. Currently, nine girls are still hospitalised at Georgetown Public Hospital. An offer was made to have all of the remaining girls being treated at Mahdia Hospital transported to Georgetown, including those who were discharged.
According to the President, this is to facilitate a second review in ensuring that they are “completely okay”.
“A full team of physiologists, psychological counsellors, and social workers have been assembled to provide counselling to all the students, their families, teachers, members of the community from which they came. We have four teams working in Mahdia and we are going to ensure that each team remains in place for the next three months,” he reassured.
He added, “As I have said before, full and unconditional support will be given to every single family and every single child affected. This support is not only medical, immediate financial, transportation, accommodation, meals. It will go far beyond this.”
The Head of State also said that the funeral for Sabrina John of Karisparu, Region Eight, will be conducted today. She will be laid to rest at home in Karisparu village.
Guyana’s Independence celebration which is scheduled to take place on Thursday evening in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) has now been converted into a night of prayer and remembrance for the 19 children.
Vigil
On Tuesday evening, the Head of State was present at the Umana Yana for a National Vigil where scores of persons showed up, as Guyana continued to mourn the tragic loss. Several girls, all victims of the deadly fire, sat in the front row with candles – some with visible injuries about their bodies. They were recently discharged and seemingly filled with grief as they were consoled by Cabinet Ministers and others.
Meanwhile, grief-stricken family members were in tears as prayers and condolences were uttered for those who passed.
Today, there will be a ceremony at the site where the Mahdia dormitory once existed, and flowers will be laid for the 19 victims who lost their lives, and as a tribute to those who survived. President Ali had initially announced a national three days of mourning. During the update on Tuesday evening, President Ali also stated that he has assigned a Minister to each of the families.
According to Ali, these Cabinet members will be directly engaging and interacting with the grieving families.
“Whilst we appreciate all the offers for support, I want to assure all the families and all Guyanese that the Government will support all the families and these children…we will provide all that is necessary,” Ali said.
