North West school fire is act of arson – Fire Service

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has confirmed that the fire which destroyed almost 60 per cent of the North West Secondary School on September 24 was deliberately set.

The aftermath of the fire

An investigation has been launched by the Police to ascertain the motive for setting the educational facility on fire, severely affecting hundreds of children.
It was reported that on Friday last, at about 21:20h, a security guard attached to the school reported hearing at least three explosions before seeing smoke and flames emanating from the direction of the Head Teacher’s Office.
Firefighters in the area and other officials, along with public-spirited persons, responded to the scene and managed to contain the blaze to one section of the school, thus preventing it from spreading to the dormitories, Information Technology Department, and contiguous buildings. Despite their efforts, however, the wooden-and-concrete building was severely damaged by the fire.
Guyana Times understands that a new fire station was recently constructed in the community, but it is being temporarily used as a COVID-19 Quarantine Centre. Furnishing and installation of equipment, inclusive of a water tender, are scheduled to be in place for late October.
Several officials, including Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo, Regional Executive Officer Tikaram Bissessar, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Headteacher (ag) Indra Chacon, Police Commander Boodnarine Persaud and fire investigators visited the scene on Saturday last and assessed the damage caused by the fire.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has committed to providing support and alternative arrangements to facilitate the 600 students who attend the school.