BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Guyanese community in the Federation on Sunday (May 28) paid tribute to the 19 students who died tragically in the fire that destroyed the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School in Guyana.
The gathering of some 100 mourners descended on the War Memorial in St. Kitts for a Candlelight Vigil, along with the Governor General, Dame Marcella Liburd; Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew; and the Minister of Tourism and Labour, Marsha Henderson.
During his presentation, Dr. Drew underscored the important relationship between the two countries, noting that Guyanese who reside in the Federation continue to form a significant part of the large community within the two islands.
It was against that backdrop he expressed condolences and stood with the people of the South American nation as they continue to mourn the tragedy, which continues to raise questions and draw global attention.
“The grief that you feel, words cannot fully express,” Dr. Drew stated.” I had the opportunity to write to the President of Guyana, Mr. Irfaan Ali, just a couple of weeks ago…and when I see him speak to this tragedy, when he gave his address, it tells me how tragic this event really was and how it has touched every single nerve string in the hearts of the Guyanese people.”
Just as preparations were being made for the celebration of the country’s 57th Independence Anniversary, tragedy struck when a 15-year-old female student of the institution allegedly lit a fire in the bathroom of the heavily grilled concrete and wooden building.
Police and fire officials revealed that 13 females and a five-year-old boy died in the building and five more females died at the Mahdia District Hospital, while six others were medivaced to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment.
President of the Guyanese Association in St. Kitts-Nevis, Mark Moses called for togetherness of the community in the Federation, while urging those gathered at the Vigil to put aside their differences for the betterment of all those residing there.
Minister Henderson, while speaking with reporters, expressed her sympathy to the parents and family members of the deceased, and also to the Guyanese community.
Henderson recently wrapped a working trip for regional Labour Ministers in Guyana, and was part of the three days of mourning in that country.
“I was there from Sunday and happened to be part of the three-day mourning…my sincerest condolences to the Government and the people of Guyana,” expressed Henderson.
The alleged perpetrator of the fire was yesterday morning (May 29) arraigned on 19 counts of Murder.
She had appeared virtually before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court and was remanded to the Juvenile Holding Centre in Georgetown until Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
