At 12.30 PM on Friday, the Government of Guyana (GOG) obtained the DNA results matching the names of 13 bodies from the Mahdia fire tragedy that were previously not visually identified. The GOG is in a position now to release these bodies to the families of the deceased for funeral arrangements.
DNA analyses were conducted on 14 bodies, the 13 bodies of girls from the Mahdia fire and one body of a boy child who died in the fire as well. The samples from the forensic specimens were obtained from the 13 bodies by a Specialist Pathologist through a bilateral arrangement between Guyana and Barbados while another forensic specimen was obtained from a young boy and was taken by Guyanese Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh. These specimens (obtained) were compared to DNA samples taken from parents and siblings.
The DNA analyses were conducted by the Pathology Laboratory of the internationally-recognised Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. Dr. Carlos Cordon-Cardo, Professor and Systems Chair, and internationally renowned for DNA analyses, led a team of experts in conducting the analyses.
The Government of Guyana is grateful for the forensic examination and analyses that were done by the pathologist from Barbados, Dr Shubhaker Karra Paul, who came to Guyana under the auspices of the RSS. The Government is also grateful to Dr Nehaul Singh for completing the initial set of post-mortems in Mahdia.
The Government of Guyana expresses its gratitude to the Mount Sinai team that has been working with Guyana over the last year. The Mount Sinai team graciously and generously contributed their expertise to complete the DNA analyses in record time.
The Government of Guyana is also grateful to the Hess Corporation for providing transportation to air-dash and rapidly transport the specimens and samples from Georgetown to New York.
Arrangements have been put in place by the Guyana Police Force for families to take possession of bodies, when and where, in accordance with their wishes. The Government of Guyana is providing assistance and support to all families for funerals over the following days.
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Gov’t extends offer for overseas medical care for Mahdia fire survivors.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced on Thursday, that the government has extended an offer to those affected by the tragic Mahdia dorm fire to receive specialised medical care overseas.
During a live update, the president reported that two of the survivors remain in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
One of the individuals has sustained severe burns, covering approximately 40 per cent of her body.
“One with a 40 per cent burn has been offered to be flown to Shriners Hospital in Texas, one of the best burn care hospitals,” President Ali stated.
President Ali said the government is also working in collaboration with Cuba to provide further medical care to the victims.
“We are working simultaneous with Cuba who have offered their support for all of these children to get the necessary medical care that may not be available here in Guyana,” he stated.
At present, nine of the children remain hospitalised at GPHC.
Another 20 children have been discharged from the hospital in Georgetown and are reunited with their parents. Five of those discharged are expected to return to Mahdia by Friday morning,
Meanwhile, President Ali informed that the unidentified bodies of those who lost their lives in fire, are expected to be positively identified by Friday.
The DNA samples have been sent to the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York for thorough analysis.
Barbadian Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul arrived in Guyana on Tuesday and assisted in the process.
A comprehensive team consisting of psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers have been assembled to offer counselling services to the students, their families and teachers in Mahdia, Georgetown and the respective villages.
President Ali said medical teams are also visiting communities and are proactively identifying children who are at risk of inflicting harm upon themselves.
The president has issued an order that any family member or parent who would like to be out with their children, that the government will offer support in the form of transportation.
“We are supporting with food stuff, not only for the families, but for the communities, supporting with transportation, the burial, the funerial, every possible need that has arisen we are in full support off,” he underscored.
Nineteen children died in the devastating fire at the Mahdia Secondary school dormitory fire. Six autopsies have already been completed and one victim laid to rest.
