The Department of Public Information (DPI) has been made aware of allegations of verbal and physical abuse accompanied by the alleged use of criminal racist language against students attending the Woodley Park Secondary School, West Coast Berbice.
We have been advised that the Ministry of Education, through the Regional Education Department and the Guyana Police Force are working together to thoroughly investigate these reports.
A joint investigative team has been launched to look into these allegations and to determine the facts surrounding this situation. Findings will be made public as soon as they are available.
Parents, students, and the general public are being assured that the ministry is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. The ministry will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
Be assured that appropriate actions will be taken in accordance with the law.
In the meantime, every action will be taken to keep the students attending the school safe and anyone who attempts to interfere with that will be dealt with condignly.
Last Saturday the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) issued a statement on the matter and called for an intervention of the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Ministers of Education and Home Affairs.
According to the PNCR “Persons were seen armed with pieces of wood walking around the compound of the school as parents and teachers confronted the intruders in the presence of students. In the said video recording one student complained to a teacher that he was cuffed. Subsequently, photographs from parents sent to Member of Parliament Mr. Vinceroy Jordan showed the severity of physical injuries to the hands, feet and head of the affected students. One parent stated on her Facebook page, ‘After physically abusing the children they said this is a coolie area black man not supposed to be here.’”
