Govt. offers $5M per child in deadly Mahdia dorm fire

Jul 18, 2023 News

Kaieteur News – The Government of Guyana (GoG) has commenced the process of giving financial assistance to the relatives of the 20 children who died as a result of the May 21, Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire.

According to a document seen by this publication, each family will receive, if agreed, the sum of $5 million in financial assistance, which constitutes a settlement of all claims and causes of actions on account of all injuries resulting in death and not resulting in death, that resulted from the fire.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs, in a statement yesterday said that the families were requested to sign an agreement having received independent legal advice. It was noted that while the process of providing this financial assistance is ongoing, as part of the agreement, the government pledged to continue to offer such support as may be necessary to the victims’ families.

Also, the ministry said too that thus far, all the affected families engaged have signed agreements.

Importantly, it was stated that the Commission of Inquiry (COI) as promised by President Irfaan Ali, will be established, and that COI will, if it considers necessary, review all the facts and circumstances relating to the events, in accordance with its Terms of Reference.

“Given that public monies are being expended, and recognising that these expenditures will have to be transparently accounted for, the agreements were reduced into writing. Needless to say, a full report of all monies expended in respect of this tragedy will be made public in due course, as the process is a continuing one,” it was stated.

Some of the children who died in the fire

From the beginning, the Government said it will offer every type of assistance possible and necessary to support the victims and families of the tragic fire. Thus far, medical treatment has been offered both locally and overseas, all transportation to and from Region Eight, to Georgetown and accommodation in Georgetown were provided, all funeral and related expenses have been paid, and all personal items destroyed in the fire have been purchased and delivered. Psychosocial assistance, including counselling, has also been provided.

According to reports, around 23:00 hours on Sunday, May 21, 2023, the fire erupted at the dormitory. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported that the point of origin of the fire was in the south-western interior of the building, in the lavatory area. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) alleged that the fire was reportedly maliciously set by the teen suspect, who was aggrieved over her phone being confiscated by the dorm mother, Carletta Williams and a teacher.

At the time of the fire, there were 57 female students in the dormitory which is a one-flat concrete building measuring about 100 feet by 40 feet, with 26 heavily-grilled windows and five doors that were padlocked.

A 15-year-old girl is currently before the court, facing 20 murder charges for the death of Adonijah Jerome, Tracil Thomas, Lisa Roberts, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Subrina John, Martha D’Andrade, (and twin) Mary D’Andrade, Belnisa Evans, Loreen Evans, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Eulanda Carter, Andrea Roberts, Rita Jeffrey and Sherana Daniels.

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Adonijah Jerome, Arriana Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Lisa Roberts, Natalie Bellarmine, Tracil Thomas

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