The issue of financial compensation for the victims and families affected by the deadly Mahdia dorm inferno will be addressed only after immediate concerns have been dealt with, says President Dr Irfaan Ali.
These “immediate concerns”, he explained, include a thorough probe, provision of counselling and other necessary services to the grieving communities.
In an address this afternoon, the Head of State assured the nation that the government will be pulling out all the stops in providing relief to the families. He said this extends beyond transportation, funeral arrangements, food and accommodation.
Ali said that “full and unconditional support” will be given to every family affected.
He also noted that the DNA testing samples will leave for Mount Sinai Hospital in New York by tomorrow. He explained that this was necessary given the extent to which the bodies were charred.
Dr Ali also updated the nation on the status of the hospitalised.
He said that two of the girls are still in critical condition, with at least four in the open ward.
Guyana Standard understands that efforts are being made to transport eight of the girls, who were discharged, to Georgetown for a second evaluation.
Dr Ali expressed gratitude to the medical teams at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Mahdia hospital. He also thanked the pilots and all the other responders.
The names of those who perished were confirmed as; Eulanda Carter, Valerie Carter, Mary Dandrade, Martha Dandrade, Lisa Roberts, Nicholeen Robinson, Sherana Daniels, Andrea Roberts, Delicia Edwards, Ariana Edwards, Loreen Evans, Sabrina John, Belnisa Evans, Bibi Jeffrey. Natalie Bellarmine, Adonijah Jerome, Cleoma Simon, Tercell Thomas and Shurlin Bellarmine.
