APNU yesterday called for an investigation to be carried out into the Mahdia dormitory fire – an appeal made on the suspicion of the possible non-compliance with the critical fire safety guidelines laid out by the Guyana Standard Code of Practice for Buildings and the Ministry of Education’s Safe Schools Protocol.
They are also calling for an immediate and comprehensive review of health system administration at the regional level, focusing on disaster preparedness and response.
In a statement read to the press at Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton’s weekly press conference yesterday, they said that the “incident gives strong reason to believe these crucial safety standards may not have been adequately adhered to.”
According to them, the investigation should narrow down on the Guyana Standard Code of Practice for Buildings, “a thorough building design, construction, and maintenance review is warranted”, as well as whether the dormitory was built using fire-resistant materials, was there adequate space for evacuation, and were proper ventilation systems in place and were there effective fire suppression and smoke control systems installed.
“The investigation should also assess if the building was equipped with the necessary fire safety equipment such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire extinguishers, and if this equipment was regularly inspected and maintained”, it said.
Under the Ministry of Education, Safe School Protocol, they said examining the school’s emergency preparedness is essential, as such the investigation should also seek to clarify whether there was a clearly outlined evacuation plan for the dormitory and whether it was regularly communicated and rehearsed with the students, was there sufficient firefighting equipment provided and were emergency/evacuation drills practiced regularly.
“The protocol for cooperation with the nearest police and fire stations also requires scrutiny. Transparency and accountability in this matter are paramount. The people of Guyana demand clear evidence indicating whether the above guidelines were followed”, the statement said.
The Opposition stressed, that an investigation will also clarify the cause of the unfortunate incident and “guide future prevention measures to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.”
Meanwhile, the statement pointed out that the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Regional Development through the Regional Democratic Council of Region 8, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs had direct responsibility for the children housed in the Mahdia dormitory, the Opposition said that “in a democratic society” the ministers of those ministries “would have tendered their resignation.”
“Equally unfortunate is the fact that a young female student has been charged with nineteen (19) counts of murder even before the conclusion of a thorough investigation into the matter”, APNU said.
After a thorough investigation, if it is found that the circumstances surrounding this devastating fire, that the ministries and RDC failed in their duties to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, “we urge that civil proceedings be initiated against them without delay to bring some sort of restitution to the families of the children and teachers who were tragically affected.”
According to the Opposition, if an investigation reveals non-compliance or negligence in adhering to the guidelines, it would be a clear breach of duty by those charged with the safety and well-being of the country’s children. “Accountability is crucial and must be sought through the appropriate legal channels.”
It said, “It is our duty to hold accountable those responsible and ensure the enforcement of safety regulations across all educational institutions in the country. Since this is not the first time that children died in a fire at a dorm in Guyana, it is reasonable to conclude that the government either do not care or do not value the lives of our children. It is our sincere hope that on this occasion we learn from this tragedy and work relentlessly to secure the safety of our children.”
The statement also said that the tragedy has also highlighted the “inadequate health administration at the regional level that has jeopardized our citizens’ lives.”
“The unfortunate need to transport basic medical supplies from Georgetown to Mahdia via plane, and the subsequent delay due to adverse weather conditions has shed light on the glaring lack of disaster preparedness by our regional health system. The delay in care provision potentially placed the lives of the fire victims at greater risk, an unacceptable circumstance in the 21st century in oil-rich Guyana.”
They stated, that it is the duty of the regional and national health systems to ensure emergency health services in times of crisis. “Witnessing our regional health systems lacking essential medical supplies such as oxygen to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies at Mahdia Secondary School is disconcerting.”
