Over 1,000 students affected by devastating fire at Mae’s Schools; Minister of Education pledges support

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, Wednesday morning visited Mae’s Schools in Subryanville, which was tragically destroyed by fire. The blaze, which began just before 8:00 hrs, quickly spread across the school, which serves over 1,000 students across Nursery, Primary, and Secondary levels.

Fortunately, most students had not yet arrived for the school day, and those on site were swiftly evacuated. The Guyana Fire Service responded immediately, working tirelessly to contain the fire.

During her visit, Minister Manickchand expressed her deep concern for the affected students, teachers, and their families. She assured that the Ministry of Education, along with the Government of Guyana, would provide full support to ensure that the displaced students continue their education without disruption. This includes prioritising Grade 6 and Grade 11 students, who are preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

The Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry’s Examinations Division and School Support Services, demonstrating the Government’s strong commitment to prioritising the welfare and education of the affected students. Minister Manickchand was also joined by the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and the Honourable Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who both pledged their ministries’ support during this challenging time.

The Government of Guyana is fully committed to ensuring that students are accommodated at nearby schools and that all necessary resources are provided to support their ongoing education. The Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with the school’s administration, parents, and all relevant stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition for the affected students and provide continuous support in the weeks ahead.