…in its response to MoH fire
In an interview yesterday with the National Communications Network (NCN) at the Office of the President, Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo stressed that his Administration, will not be found wanting in its response to the fire that destroyed the main offices of the Ministry of Health on July 17, and despite quick response and diligent operations by the Guyana Fire Service.

The main building and annex that were consumed housed a number of offices and departments, including those of Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, the Permanent Secretary, the Chief Medical Officer, the Adolescent Health and Chronic Diseases Department, and the Nursing Council and Registry.

The President explained that Government’s responsibility is to provide services to its people and that is exactly what his Administration plans to do.

He explained that plans will be put in place to rebuild the offices of the Ministry and efforts are being made to ensure that the services it offers continue to be delivered.

On the investigative side, while acknowledging that it is too early to know who was responsible for the fire, the President noted that a thorough investigation will be conducted.

He explained that he has instructed the security services to beef up security to avoid a repeat of the incident and help has been offered from an external source which will be utilised.

Also, the President was optimistic that the $25M reward that has been offered for the capture of the arsonist(s) may lead to some information.

However, while this matter will be pursued aggressively, it must not be all-consuming, the President reiterated, noting that his Administration has a job of providing for its people.

The President scoffed at recent comments by the Alliance for Change (AFC) that power-sharing would have prevented the tragedy of the fire. He noted that arson is a crime and would have occurred whether or not power-sharing was in place.

However, he noted the implication that the underlying tone of the comments may indicate that the fire was politically-motivated which warrants deeper questions for the persons making the statements.

At a press conference on July 17, the President informed that no stone would be left unturned to bring the perpetrators of the Ministry of Health fire to justice.