MAHDIA, GUYANA – In a significant development in the case of the tragic Mahdia dormitory fire, a teenage girl has been committed to stand trial for allegedly causing the blaze that claimed 20 young lives in May 2023.
The decision, announced yesterday by Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, comes after months of investigation into the incident that shocked the nation and drew international attention.
“After careful consideration of the evidence presented, I find sufficient grounds to commit the accused to stand trial for this grave offense,” Magistrate Scarce stated during the preliminary inquiry.
The fire, which engulfed the secondary school dormitory on May 22, 2023, trapped dozens of students inside. Initial reports indicated 19 fatalities, but the death toll rose to 20 when a 14-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries in intensive care days later.
Guyana Police Force spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor, told reporters, “Our investigators have worked tirelessly to piece together the events of that tragic night. The evidence gathered has led us to this point.”
The accused, whose identity is protected due to her age, was a student at the school at the time of the incident. Sources close to the investigation suggest the fire may have been started maliciously after a dispute over a confiscated cell phone.
President Irfaan Ali, who had described the incident as “a major disaster” and “horrible, painful” in its immediate aftermath, reiterated the government’s commitment to justice. “While we cannot undo the past, we can ensure that the course of justice is followed,” President Ali stated in a press release.
The case has particularly impacted Guyana’s Indigenous communities, as many of the victims were from rural areas. Toshao Michael McGarrell, representing the affected Indigenous villages, expressed mixed emotions about the development. “Our communities are still healing. We hope this trial will bring some closure, but it also reopens deep wounds,” McGarrell said.
As the case moves to the High Court, it continues to raise questions about safety measures in educational institutions across Guyana. Education Minister Priya Manickchand assured that her ministry has implemented stricter safety protocols in all school dormitories since the incident.
“We’ve conducted thorough safety audits and upgraded fire safety equipment in all our residential school facilities,” Minister Manickchand stated. “Our priority is ensuring this never happens again.”
The trial date has not yet been set, but legal experts expect proceedings to begin within the next few months. The case continues to be closely watched by Guyanese citizens and international observers alike.
