Well-being of children remain Govt’s foremost priority – Phillips following fire at Hope orphanage 

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, visited the Hope Children’s Home at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, this afternoon following a fire at the privately owned facility.

At the scene, the Prime Minister received briefings from members of the Guyana Fire Service, officials of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Childcare and Protection Agency, and other personnel involved in the emergency response.

All children residing at the home were safely evacuated and accounted for. At the time of the fire, they were attending Vacation Bible School in the church building on the compound.

Prime Minister Phillips expressed relief that there was no loss of life and thanked the caregivers and other employees of the Hope Children’s Home for their swift response, which helped to protect the children and avert a tragedy. He also commended the firefighters, emergency responders and other personnel on the ground for their coordinated efforts.

The Acting President subsequently visited the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he met with persons who sustained minor abrasions and smoke inhalation during the incident. He received an update from medical personnel on their condition and wished them a speedy recovery.

Prime Minister Phillips later visited the children who were relocated to the Mahaica Children’s Home, where he was joined by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud.

During the visit, PM Phillips interacted with the children and thanked the caregivers and staff for accommodating them and ensuring that they continued to receive the necessary care, protection and support.

He emphasised that the safety and well-being of the children remain the Government’s foremost priority.