The fire originated at a high school in the city of Madhia, more than 300 kilometers from Georgetown. At least two children remain in critical condition and four others have serious injuries.
A dozen students are also under observation after being rescued. The community, dedicated to gold and diamond mining, is mostly indigenous. The death toll has risen from 20 to 19, according to the National Security Adviser Gerlad Gouveia, who said doctors managed to save a patient who was dying. The cause of the fire is under investigation.