Georgetown: Almost a week after a devastating fire at the Drop-In Centre which claimed the lives of two brothers, 6 and 3 years, President David Granger has launched a commission of inquiry into the July 8 tragedy.
Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon made the announcement Thursday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency. The COI will be headed by Windee Algrnon, first female Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force.
The announcement followed a recent meeting of Cabinet held during this week where the matter was discussed. Since the fire, the government has taken full responsibility and is opting to pay for the funeral of the two boys.
Joshua and Antonio George, now deceased, were taken into the state’s care along with their three other siblings on July 6, following allegations of unfit conditions at their Chapel and Norton Street home.
Since the fire, their mother Sonia George, 37, and her partner, Leon George, 51, have gone back and forth in an effort to be reunited with their three surviving children.
The parents were allowed to see their children briefly on Wednesday at the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Charlestown.
President David Granger following the news of the deadly fire expressed sadness and committed to work with the Social Protection Ministry and other authorities to ensure that those affected by the fire were given psycho-social support.
