Gov’t to rebuild Kwakwani Secondary School ‘speedily’ – Edghill assures after devastating fire

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, has assured the people of Kwakwani in Region Ten that the PPP/C government will move swiftly to rebuild the Kwakwani Secondary School, which was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning.

In a pre-broadcast video shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Edghill described the blaze as a “regrettable” tragedy but underscored that the government is committed to ensuring the community’s children and parents are not left disadvantaged.

“Whatever is the cause of that fire, it is regrettable. Children need to be served, a community needs to be served.

“Having engaged with my superiors, I am proud to announce that the President Ali PPP administration—now, and the one that will be elected as of September 1—will rebuild the Kwakwani Secondary School, and this will be done speedily,” Edghill announced.

Edghill reassured residents that immediate steps are being taken to ensure learning continues without interruption.

“Parents, students, community of Kwakwani, please be assured your pain, your suffering, your loss will be remedied soon. We will work with the regional and local authorities to ensure that by the time school is ready to be reopened, alternative accommodations are made.

“There will be no learning loss, and we will overcome every challenge—just like we have done since 2020, when we came into government,” Edghill said.

Additionally, Edghill emphasised that the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Kwakwani and the wider Berbice River area.

“Kwakwani, be assured your government will work for you, is working for you, and will continue to engage you and work with you. While there is heavy conversation and pain and loss factored in, the President Ali government commits to the people of Kwakwani and the Berbice River that the Kwakwani Secondary School will be rebuilt—and will be rebuilt speedily,” he said.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said the fire started at approximately 03:40 hrs and completely gutted the one-storey concrete building in Pathville, Upper Berbice River.

The cause of the blaze is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been launched.

According to the police report, a Corporal attached to the Mackenzie Police Station was attending the annual Kwakwani Village Fair at the nearby ballfield when he noticed flames coming from the Pathville area. He promptly alerted the Kwakwani Police Station. A Police Sergeant and two other ranks responded and found the school engulfed in flames.

Efforts to contain the fire were led by local auxiliary staff, including driver Julian Martin and assistant Jishan Martin, using a fire pick-up vehicle. Despite their efforts, the structure was already beyond saving.

The school, which was powered by electricity from Kwakwani Utility Inc., had reportedly experienced power outages throughout the night.

Police further reported that a security guard attached to Homesafe Security Service, who was on duty at the time, discovered smoke coming from the Headmistress’s office on the southwestern side of the building during routine checks. He immediately contacted his supervisor, Elizabeth Samuels.

The Kwakwani Secondary School was one of the main educational institutions in the Berbice River community, serving hundreds of students.