Fire Chief hammered in Mahdia Fire COI Report for Dereliction of Duty

The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Mahdia School Dorm fire, which claimed the lives of 20 children in May 2023, has roasted Fire Chief Gregory Wickham for “dereliction of duty” in responding to the fire prevention needs of both the Mahdia School Dorms and the Mahdia Fire Station.

In its report, which was released to the public over the weekend, the Commission of Inquiry found that the Fire Chief was in receipt of three reports over two years, which highlighted several deficiencies within the Mahdia Fire Station and at the School dorms. One of the reports encompassed a total of 12 recommendations based on an inspection conducted at the Mahdia Secondary School Male and Female Dormitories.

According to the Commission, the Fire Chief did little to address the reports submitted by the Officer in Charge of the Mahdia Fire Station, Ryan Scott.

“We consider it unfortunate and inauspicious that the Ryan Scott report which contained critical information in the interest of life and fire safety, was given scant regard by the CFO who admitted that of the 12 recommendations contained therein, his action was only taken in relation to that concerning fire hydrants,” the Commission said in its report.

The Commission said the Fire Chief under oath admitted to merely informing the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) of the requirement to have water mains upgraded and nothing else.

“This we consider to be bare minimum action and certainly not a fulfilment of the duties bestowed on the most senior fire officer of this country,” the Commission reported.

In his defence, Mr Wickham told the Commission, that standard operating procedures would only require him to ensure the Regional Educational Officer (REDO) was furnished with the report regarding the fire preventative needs of the dormitories.

But the explanation did not sit well with the Commission, which contended that the Fire Chief essentially passed off his responsibilities onto the REDO.

“We also find it regrettable that in all circumstances and even with all his experience as the most senior fire officer in this country, the CFO did not see the need, nor did he take the initiative, to communicate to the Permanent Secretary of his Ministry, the said emergency recommendations. It is expected that the head of the fire service of any country, being in possession of reports such as these, would go beyond the bounds of duty and service to ensure compliance therewith. This we feel, in all circumstances, was lacking from the Chief Fire Officer,” the Commission reported.

The Commission, however, applauded the work of Fire Officer Scott, recommending him for a promotion and national award.

“At the outset, we consider the diligence and dedication in the execution of duties of SubOfficer Ryan Scott to be worthy of commendation… His devotion to service is to be emulated by other service men and women in the Guyana Fire Service,” the Commission said.

It said in the face of very limited resources from the Guyana Fire Service, Scott took initiative and exemplified bravery in all his dealings in responding to the fire on the evening of May 21 2023.

“We consider these traits to be fitting for emulation by all members of the Guyana Fire Service. It is certain that the Guyana Fire Service would benefit from Mr. Scott serving at a higher leadership capacity in the Service,” the Commission said.

The report was compiled by a three-member commission led by Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh after three months of investigating the circumstances supporting the deadly blaze.

The report also heaped criticism of the Regional Education Officer, who received the final fire report months before the fire, but did not act on it as she was being transferred from the area. She has also been accused of dereliction of duty.