Gov’t enlists LIAT to help airlift Guyanese students injured in deadly fire and says Antigua & Barbuda will cover all expenses

The Government has authorized the use of LIAT (1974) Ltd. aircraft to proceed immediately to Guyana to help airlift medical personnel and injured students for treatment in Barbados following a deadly fire at a school there.

Reports say that 19 students lost their lives in the fire, which officials say was an act of arson.  It is alleged that someone set a fire that engulfed and completely destroyed the children’s sleeping quarters.

In a letter to His Excellency Irfaan Ali, president of Guyana, Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed sympathy to the students, their families, and the Government and people of Guyana on behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Browne noted that the “heartbreak which their parents are suffering surely impels us all to act to bring calm and peace to those who grieve.”

Having learned that the Guyanese authorities wish to transport the injured students to Barbados for specialist medical treatment, Browne indicated that he is willing to lend assistance.  

Reports say that a burn unit in Barbados is to be put to use for the benefit of these children. Therefore, Browne has enlisted LIAT to assist in their transportation.

To achieve this, he says the Government will be working in collaboration with the airline’s court-appointed administrator, and all costs are to be borne by Antigua and Barbuda.

Meanwhile, Browne says he is praying for the speedy recovery of the injured students following what he terms “this immense tragedy.”