SRDC calls for improved safety standards in hinterland dormitories

- mourns loss of lives in Mahdia Fire

THE South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) has expressed deep sadness about the unfortunate and tragic fire in the female dormitory in Mahdia, Region Eight.

Below is a statement from the South Rupununi District Council Executive

Body: We mourn the loss of the 19 young, aspiring lives who had left the comfort of their homes to pursue high school education. We pray that their souls are granted eternal peace. This unfortunate event has brought awareness to one of the many issues af- fecting the education system in the hinterland areas, the dormitories. We are deeply concerned with the current situation.

We therefore urge everyone to support and advocate for dormitories with proper infrastructure and safety procedures for our children seeking education. Numerous concerns have been made regarding the dormitories, including the availability of healthy and sufficient food, access to fresh and clean water, electricity, security, proper utilities and furniture, layout and design of the buildings, and overall living arrangement of the students.

We urgently ask that a thorough investigation of all the dormitories be immediately carried out and take prompt remedial action to improve the situation. Specifically, we would like to recommend that:

1) The occupational, health and safety standards be vastly improved with emergency plans and equipment in place.

2) Replace all steel grills with less hazardous construction materials.

3) Improve sleeping conditions for students.

4) For every dormitory a welfare officer be stationed to provide the necessary support to the students.

5) Increase the number of caretakers at the dorms and carry out training so that they can adequately carry out their duties.

6) Appropriate and adequate food supply for students.

7) An enhanced team be established to monitor the dormitories across the hinterland.

We commend the gov - ernment and other civil society agencies and organisations for their prompt actions and all the support provided. In order to prevent the loss of any more beautiful lives, we request that these systems be improved based on expert knowledge and not merely on convenience. We offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends for your loss. We wish you comfort in the memories of your loved ones and want you to know that we stand with you. We wish the survivors and their families a speedy recovery and know that Guyana is behind you, supporting you.

Rest in eternal peace

Bibi Rita Fiona Jeffery, Sabrina John, Loreen Evans, Belnisa Evans, Mary Dandrade, Martha Dandrade, Omefia Edwi, Natalie Bellarmine, Andrea Roberts, Lorita Williams, Nickleen Robinson, Sherena Daniels, Eulanda Carter, Lisa Roberts, Cleoma Simon, Tracil Thomas, Adonijah Jerome, Delecia Edwards, Arianna Edwards.

THE following statement was issued by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies in response to the tragic fire in Guyana on Sunday, May 20, 2023:

“The entire regional University of the West Indies grieves with the government and people of Guyana on the recent loss of 19 young lives in a fire at the Mahdia Secondary School, located in the Potaro-Siparuni region, west of the Essequibo River.

It is a tragedy that pierces the hearts of people worldwide who, perhaps for the first time, are learning of the indigenous peoples who live, work, and love there.

Even as we offer our sincerest condolences and wish the injured and other survivors strength and courage to endure in the weeks, months and years ahead, we at The UWI stand ready to provide practical support to the Government of Guyana as they treat with affected families and students who must deal with the immense physical and emotional trauma that they have so grievously suffered.”

Cricket Quiz Corner

(Thursday May 25, 2023)

COMPLIMENTS OF CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville,Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) CSK & Gujurat Titans

(2) Lucknow Super Giants & Mumbai Indians

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who won Qualifier 1 in this season’s IPL?

(2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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