‘Tough love needed’ – President Ali says after receiving Mahdia COI report

A report flowing from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events and circumstance connected with and concerning the Mahdia dormitory fire that claimed 20 young lives was handed over President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday.

During a simple ceremony at State House – the official residence of the President – Chairman of the Commission Major General (Ret’d), Joe Singh handed over the report to Dr. Ali, accompanied by the other commissioners, attorney Dr. Kim Kyte- Thomas and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Derrick John.

This printed version of the report, Singh said, was unanimously supported by all commissioners who received their Instruments of Appointments on August 10, 2023, and began public hearings on September 15 and November 10, 2023.

During his remarks, Singh addressed some of the findings and recommendations; he reasserted that the fire was an act of arson.

Notwithstanding, he said though there were inadequacies with fire prevention at the dorms, a better equipped facility would not have delivered a different result.

This is particularly so because there were noted delays in contacting and seeking assistance from firefighters and later, delays in accessing the building.

After hearing from 29 witnesses, reviewing a number of recordings, reports and statements and making two visits to Mahdia, Singh said there was sufficient evidence to support both the findings and recommendations.

Notwithstanding the fact that the fire was long-determined to be an act of arson, Singh said the events and circumstances leading up to the fire were “unfortunate.”

To this end, he said the commission examined several factors, including the influence of the mining culture on communities, vulnerability of youth, the influence of adults who groom young females and is sometimes supported by family members who benefit financially, and the negligence of particular officials and fire readiness.

“It is our hope that this report from the inquiry will be an instrument to changes necessary in ensuring there will be no recurrence of such a tragedy.

“We recommend and urge that a suitable memorial be erected on the site of the female dormitory as an act of remembrance and a reminder to us that there is nothing more important than caring for and mentoring our children,” Singh said.

President Ali spoke moments after receiving the report and said the issues highlighted are already being addressed in a holistic way.

“Moving forward, based on the report, we have already identified another challenge… that is the boys… there are a number of recommendations [the Minister of Education has brought] to deal with boys not attending school as a result of what took place and we are looking at how we address this issue in a holistic way,” Dr. Ali said.

The President’s concern is that children remain in a learning environment and not distracted.

“This is sadly a tragic part of our history…we have to mark this unfortunately as part of us now, part of our country and we have to mark it with a commitment to doing everything to prevent such a recurrence, including behavioural change,” Dr. Ali said.

In this regard, he called on parents to ensure they show children “tough love” to engender the change needed.

According to the Terms of Reference, the CoI was required to inquire into and report on everything leading up to the dormitory fire as well as the cause of the fire.

They were also tasked to investigate and report on what actions were taken to provide care, medical attention, and support to the injured and deceased and their relatives, in a timely manner.

The full report will be made public soon.