Minister of Education Shaik Baksh says that the findings of the investigations into the fire at the Waramadong Secondary School dormitory, which resulted in the death of three students, will be revealed to the public if “warranted”.
The fire took place on the evening of August 31 and caused the deaths of Zanita Sam, 11, Savylin David, 12 and Sharmileza George, 13. The three girls had recently returned to the dorms and were preparing for the re-opening of school on the following day.
Investigations by the fire service revealed that the blaze was started by a lit candle which set afire some combustible material. It was suggested that the girls may have been locked into the dormitory, which prevented them from escaping, but this has since been refuted by officials.
Baksh’s comments yesterday were part of a written response to questions raised by AFC MP Raphael Trotman about the Ministry’s position on the matter. The Minister informed the National Assembly that the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service are continuing their investigations into the fire and that the findings may be disclosed if warranted.
Meanwhile, the Minister said that there is currently no basis for compensating relatives of the victims. Trotman had asked Baksh if this was being considered by the authorities.
