Deadly Mahdia fire: Families of Mahdia fire victims express hurt at social media posts

As President Irfaan Ali engaged with the families of the Mahdia victims on Sunday evening, many expressed hurt at the social media posts which were making rounds in recent time.
The Head of State had organised a dinner where he listened to their concerns, just one week after the lives of 19 were lost in the massive dormitory fire in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). In response, he advised that they refrain from engaging in these posts, adding that Government and the authorities will be working to offer continued support in whatever way needed.

“I’m concerned about you. Many of you have raised the hurt you’re feeling because of what people are saying on social media, because of what people are posting on social media. If you can, please ignore social media for now. As President, I have made a personal appeal for people on social media. Know that you have a group of people, a Government, public servants who are committed to working with you,” Ali voiced.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand also responded to such concerns on her social media platform on Monday, where she posted, “The complaint raised by many is the way some people, on social media, have treated the tragedy and some of their choices and what they assume are “facts”. I ask you again: restrain yourself…The Government is respecting and facilitating the realisation of the wishes of the parents and children. You can do the same.”
Just last week, President Ali had called on Guyanese to be more responsible in how they discuss the deadly Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire on social media – an incident that took the lives of 19 young people. He had also urged persons to exercise responsibility and restraint in their social media discussions on the incident.
President Ali was quoted as saying, “There’s a time and place for everything. But as I’ve said before, myself and the Government as far as possible, we are going to fulfil the wishes and desires of these children and their families. It’s the least we can do…I’m urging all Guyanese, to desist from self-analysis. From reviewing timeline stories of all these girls, and from analysing the life stories of all these girls. There’s a time and place for everything. Let us focus our use of social media on motivational quotes, on prayers, on inspirational songs, on uplifting messages. And not on opportunities to theorise.”
During Sunday’s engagement, the Guyanese leader reiterated that nothing can compensate the cost of a life, while sharing that Government is doing its best to make the families comfortable.
“We’re here to continue to support all of you. This evening (Sunday) I had a chance to sit with each of you to listen to any additional questions you may have, to answer those questions and reassure all of you of our continued support and commitment…Nothing can compensate the emotion and pain when you lose a life. But what we need to do is give you support, whether psychologically, physically, emotionally, socially, financially. That is what we will continue to do.” (G12)