The University of Guyana (UG) yesterday expressed grief at the loss of lives in the Mahdia dormitory fire on Sunday and said that it will deploy specialist teams to offer support.
In a statement yesterday, the university said that it has immediately activated several mechanisms internally and externally aimed at ascertaining any students and staff who may be directly affected. Several students have been identified already.
The university said it will host a Vigil of Compassion from 6pm to 8pm today at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT) at the Turkeyen Campus. Those wishing to join online may do so at https://zoom.us/j/92423592766.
It added that UG’s Social Work Unit in the Faculty of Social Sciences is supporting the Ministry of Education’s Welfare Unit and has reached out to other stakeholders they are collaborating with for practicum to determine how it may support them. Members of the University’s Social Work Unit are also set to accompany the Ministry of Education’s Welfare team. UG’s Social Work graduates in the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health are also on standby to travel.
The release said that the Vice-Chancellor as Chair of UG’s Mental Health Task Force convened a meeting at 12 noon yesterday with UG’s College of Behavioural Sciences and Research (CoBRES), the Institute of Resiliency, Inclusion Unit and the Social Work Departments on the development of an emergency mental plan for quick deployment which includes support to first responders.
Further, Dean of UG’s College of Behavioural Sciences and Research (CoBRES), Dr Katija Khan in her capacity as President of the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations, also pledged support and that of their Disaster Mental Health Committee in any way needed at this time.
UG’s College of Medical Sciences is also mobilising to lend additional medical support at the location so that there is no interrupted medical service.
The University is also requesting sensitivity and compassion in not sharing and circulating photos, videos and images of this terrible event.
The University is requesting that any civil society, religious or other entities wishing to partner or in need of support to reach out using email fixug@uog.edu.gy or WhatsApp : 5926204330.
