Hurt by the devastating news of children from their community perishing in the Mahdia Secondary School dorm fire, residents of Chenapou, Region 8 yesterday called for support and justice.
The residents in a coordinated approach assembled in the community meeting place calling for answers into the tragedy.
At the village centre, the residents armed themselves with placards and chanted “we need justice.” The demonstration, Stabroek News gathered, was sparked as many parents felt the need for answers to be provided to the number of questions they have. Throughout the day focus was placed on students who were present in Mahdia and required medical attention. Parents and guardians of injured students and those who perished were contacted and informed of the tragedy. However, some parents believed information on the condition of other students should have also been made available.
On the placards, the concerned residents condemned the fact that the building was grilled resulting in the students being trapped.
“Grills to windows and doors are for prisoners,” a placard read while another stated “Our Children deserve safety! Safety first.”
On other placards, residents called for schools to be built closer to homes so parents can be much more comfortable about the safety of their children.
Community activist and native of Chenapou, Michael McGarrel yesterday explained that the demonstration arose from deep concerns in the community.
He noted that Chenapou, which is located in close proximity to the Kaieteur National Park is a closely knit community where everyone is part of an extended family. The news of the tragedy he related has shocked everyone.
“One death would shake our community much less this four (from Chenapou) and those who are injured. It is very sad that we have to go through this. The people are angry and have been crying since last night for their loved ones… their action is to call for information and support,” he explained.
Though he is not in the village currently, he too has been plunged into a state of mourning as four of the 19 children who perished are his cousins.
According to him, the residents’ call for assistance was simply for support as it is expensive for persons to travel out of Chenapou.
“A shuttle flight to Mahdia is $180,000 and that is 15-20 minutes away by air. They cannot use the road. They are asking for support because they have to travel and will have to bring back the bodies home here. They will have to visit the loved ones at the hospitals and find accommodation and food for themselves, so they are not asking for compensation it was misworded, they simply need assistance,” he underscored.
The call for compensation by some of the residents attracted a backlash.
He also refuted claims on social media attributing the demonstration to him and his place of employ, the Amerindian Peoples Association.
“I am hurt by the tragic deaths of my relatives; I am further hurt by the way many Guyanese have responded. The residents of Chenapou on their own accord decided to make a call for justice. However, its seems as if they are not entitled to have their voices heard. Why are we fighting down each other at this time when we should be supporting? I am deeply saddened; we do have a far way to go.
To those who are with us, thank you, we appreciate. For those who may want to know, I am thousands of miles away from home, and yes, I do support my village, not as a member of any organization but as a born Patamuna man from Chenapou. I wish I were at home to hug and console,” he lamented in response to the social media backlash directed towards the community.
