The Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the tragic Mahdia Secondary School dormitory fire of March 22 is scheduled to kick off on Friday, September 15.
Notably, the proceedings will not be live-streamed, according to COI Secretary Javed Shadick.
Participants in the inquiry will include first responders from discipline services, government officials, pilots, firefighters, dorm caretakers, and victims who were injured during the incident.
It has yet to be determined whether the teenager currently facing court charges for allegedly starting the fire will provide testimony.
Shadick stated in a news conference that the hearings will span one month, after which a report will be prepared for public release.
During the inquiry, the testimonies of victims will remain off the record, whereas those of other witnesses will be made public.
This measure is taken to protect the primarily minor-aged victims.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali established the Mahdia Commission Inquiry on August 10, promising affected families a thorough and unbiased examination of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Chaired by Major General (Ret’d) Joe Singh, the Commission has already conducted on-site visits and engaged with affected individuals, their families, and community leaders.
Reporter: Trichell Sobers, NCN News