March 9, 2025

Georgetown, Guyana

For immediate release to all media houses

PRESS RELEASE

ALLIANCE FOR CHANGE STATEMENT ON THE FIRE AT MAE’S SCHOOL.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) The Alliance For Change (AFC) extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Fireman Vashaun Manbodh, who tragically lost his life following injuries sustained during the recent fire at Mae’s School in Subryanville, Georgetown. We also wish a swift recovery to the other firefighters injured in the line of duty.

We commend the heroic efforts of Ms. Renetta Somersett, whose quick actions were instrumental in ensuring the safe evacuation of students and faculty during this critical incident.

Since the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office in 2020, there has been a troubling increase in school fires. Between January 1 and September 18, 2024, 14 fire-related incidents were recorded at schools across the country, with 13 occurring at public schools. This alarming trend includes the catastrophic Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire on May 21, 2023, which claimed the lives of 20 children and stands as one of the deadliest school dormitory fires in recent history.

The Guyana Fire Service has previously recommended the installation of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in schools to mitigate fire risks. Additionally, the Ministry of Education mandates monthly emergency drills to ensure preparedness. Despite these guidelines, the recurrence of such incidents indicates a gap between policy and implementation.

The AFC calls for immediate audits to ensure compliance with existing fire safety regulations, the implementation of mandatory insurance policies for all educational institutions, regular fire safety training for school staff and students, and the allocation of resources for modern fire prevention and suppression systems in schools nationwide. By taking these proactive measures, we can safeguard the well-being of our students, educators, and first responders, ensuring that tragedies like this are prevented in the future.

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