Guyana: Independence celebration overshadowed by death of children in school fire

Guyana is observing its 57th anniversary of political independence from Britain, overshadowed by the deaths of 19 students in a fire at the dormitory of a secondary school on Monday.

Addressing last night's flag-raising ceremony, dubbed Night of Reflection, President Irfaan Ali acknowledged the pain of the nation as Guyanese struggle to come to terms with the loss of their children.

Dr Ali says a probe would determine the next step. This will include the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the causes and circumstances of the fire that destroyed the dormitory and related issues.