The Union of Muslim Scholars conveyed a heartfelt message of condolence and sympathy to His Excellency Mr. Irfaan Ali, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, following the devastating fire that engulfed a girls' school in the city of Mahdia, located in the central part of the country. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 18 girls and one boy.
In their message, the Union, representing its President, Secretary-General, Board of Trustees, and members from around the world, humbly implored Allah, the Almighty, to safeguard the Republic of Guyana and its esteemed people, grant healing to the injured, and bestow mercy upon the departed souls.
The message expressed deepest condolences and sympathies, beseeching Allah to envelop the victims in His boundless mercy, provide patience and solace to their families and loved ones, facilitate a swift recovery for the injured, protect "Cooperative Guyana" and its populace, and safeguard the Muslim lands from all forms of harm, ensuring the continuation of security and peace.
Reports indicate that the tragic incident was sparked by the anger of a student due to the confiscation of her mobile phone by the school administration.
According to the local police, "It is suspected that the fire, which caused extensive damage, was deliberately set by a student after her mobile phone was confiscated."
A government official, speaking on condition of anonymity to the French news agency, confirmed that the student, who was injured in the fire, admitted her involvement in starting the blaze.
Guyana, officially known as the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is a sovereign state situated on the northern coast of South America. Culturally, it is considered part of the English-speaking Caribbean region. Its capital is Georgetown. Covering an area of 215,000 square kilometers, the country has a population of approximately 804,567 people as of 2021, with Indo-Guyanese being the largest ethnic group (43.5%), followed by individuals of African descent (30.2%).