Public hearings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Mahdia dormitory fire in Guyana will begin at 9am today.

Stabroek News reports that 15 witnesses are expected to testify, including government ministers and public service officials such as doctors, nurses and pilots.

The fire on May 22nd claimed the lives of 20 children and left a number of others injured.

Following the incident, a 15-year-old student was remanded to a juvenile facility on 20 counts of murder.

The Commission of Inquiry is being chaired by Major General (retired) Joseph Singh and includes Dr Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas and Derrick Rowan John.

(Photo credit: Priya Manickchand on Facebook)