Minister Benn promises investigation as family of Fireman Voshaun Manbodh calls for accountability

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic loss of Fireman Voshaun Manbodh, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a fire at Mae’s Schools in Subryanville on Wednesday last.

Benn’s statement comes as the family of the 27-year-old firefighter raises serious concerns over the medical care that followed his hospitalisation.

The brave firefighter, who had been with the Guyana Fire Service for just over a year, was gravely injured when a wall collapsed on him while battling the intense blaze. He suffered two fractures to his neck, impaired motor function, and an ear impediment. He was rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he initially showed signs of improvement but later deteriorated due to what his family describes as critical lapses in medical care.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, they expressed deep sorrow over his untimely passing and raised grave concerns about the care he received while under medical treatment. They explained that although an MRI scan conducted on March 6 showed no immediate abnormalities, Manbodh’s condition worsened in the following days due to delayed interventions and inadequate medical monitoring. His family accuses the hospital of failing to provide necessary neurological care and points to a catalogue of mistakes, including the delay of an MRI and mishandling of his physical restraints.

“Despite his need for urgent neurological evaluation, there were extensive delays, including a failure to sedate him properly before his MRI scan,” the family’s statement reads. “Instead of ensuring his safety, hospital staff used only two pieces of string to restrain him, a method entirely insufficient for someone in his condition.”

The family also claims that Manbodh suffered a fall from his hospital bed, an incident that was not disclosed to them by hospital staff. His mother learned of the fall only after being informed by a fellow patient, and when she arrived at the hospital, staff allegedly downplayed the severity of the situation, attributing his distress to his behaviour rather than to the worsening of his injuries.

“This is a blatant failure in basic medical care,” the family stated. “He was not given proper restraints, hydration, or medical oversight. When we raised concerns, they were ignored or inadequately addressed.”

Despite the family’s repeated efforts to ensure Manbodh received appropriate care, his condition continued to deteriorate. They emphasised that at no point was he placed in a specialized ward or provided with the necessary neurological care. They demand a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his treatment, stating, “His death was entirely preventable, and the negligence in his care needs to be addressed.”

Minister Robeson Benn has offered his condolences to Fireman Manbodh’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging the loss of a dedicated and courageous public servant. He reiterated that an investigation into both the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding Manbodh’s passing, including the alleged medical negligence, would be launched immediately.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Guyana Fire Service, will offer full support to Fireman Manbodh’s family during this difficult time,” said Minister Benn. “We are committed to getting to the bottom of the cause of the fire and the tragic consequences that followed.”