Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence is seeking an inquest into the death of Nursing Assistant Schenise Apple, who was found dead in her apartment at the nurses’ quarters in Mahdia, in Region Eight, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported yesterday.
The report said the decision to seek an inquest was taken after the minister met with Dexter Copeland and Shonette Apple, the parents of the deceased.
It noted that while initially the Ministry of Public Health, along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), treated the investigation as a suspected suicide, the minister determined that an inquest was necessary after her meeting with the grieving family members. “It is only in that way we will be able to have a deeper investigation into what really happened, so I am asking for an inquest… I am happy that I’m taking this step… All the answers to questions must come out in that inquest,” Lawrence was quoted as saying.
According to the report, the relatives of the nurse said they have not yet received a report officially stating the cause of death. Additionally, Copeland has questions he wants answered. The family also asked that the Public Health Ministry be more cognisant of the security at nurse’s quarters and hostels, particularly in far-flung communities.
The report said Lawrence assured that these are some of the issues she is pushing to address within the health sector. “This is not a one-off. We will forever keep this in our minds because we are sending people’s children, away from their comfort zone to give a service to the people and we are responsible for their safety,” she was quoted as saying. Apple, 26, of Block 22, Linden, Region Ten, was found hanging in her room on the evening of July 2nd.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) yesterday said it was very saddened by the news of Apple’s death, while saying that an investigation is expected.
“It is the expectation that a full investigation [will] be conducted to determine the cause of death to bring closure to the family and other relations and in addition, to prevent future occurrences of this nature,” the GPSU said in a statement.
It added that youths must be given support and protection where necessary and workers’ welfare must be paramount on the agenda of any institution. As a result, it called on the authorities to ensure that there is adequate 24-hour security at all health facilities and hostels.
“Guyana has indeed lost a young, vibrant and dedicated individual who from all indications was a committed worker and well-liked among her colleagues and friends. The GPSU notes her willingness to serve in the interior location as exemplified by the fact that even after completion of her stint [she] requested a further two years period,” it said.
The union further encouraged all health care workers across the country to remain steadfast while mourning Apple’s passing.
