State denies any liability for deaths and injuries in Mahdia School Dorm fire in response to lawsuit

The State of Guyana, through the Attorney General, has filed its formal defense against civil claims stemming from the fatal May 21, 2023, Mahdia School female dorm, denying any liability over the deaths.

In its defense filed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, the Government is denying all allegations of negligence or Constitutional violations contained in the lawsuit, contending that the lawsuit is “specious, misconceived in law,” and ought to be dismissed.

The lawsuit, which has been filed by families of some of the victims, is seeking damages from the State on behalf of victims and surviving families.

In the defense, the State is also contending that all safety procedures were in place during the deadly fire, claiming that emergency exits were accessible, and students had been instructed on fire safety and evacuation procedures through regular drills.

The defense by the State also noted that Police investigations revealed that the tragedy resulted from the deliberate, intentional, and malicious act of a student following the confiscation of her mobile phone. The student was subsequently charged with 20 counts of murder, the Court document noted.

The state also noted that all medical systems were in place, with specialized medical teams from the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) being deployed via air services to Mahdia overnight, while Government officials coordinated medical evacuations for the injured to Georgetown.

It said too that specialized treatment was also facilitated internationally, including transferring one studentto Mount Sinai Health Centre in New York.

The State also highlighted its financial assistance packages and relief efforts, noting that lump sum financial packages were established of GY$5 million for families of deceased students, GY$3 million for those with serious injuries, and GY$500,000 for minor injuries.

The defense maintains that the Claimants remain eligible to receive financial assistance but asks the High Court to dismiss the legal action in its entirety.

In May 2023, 20 children died in the tragic fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory.

19 of those who died were female students of the school. The 20th child was a young boy who was the son of the caretaker of the facility.

The building was heavily grilled and Commission of Inquiry into the tragedy found that many safety protocols and systems were not in place.

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