Marlon Daniels, a teacher attached to Fort Wellington Secondary on the West Coast of Berbice was beaten.
According to information reaching this publication, the student spewed a homophobic slang at the teacher, who then took them to the headmistress, and this made one of his students annoyed.
The child left the school saying that he was going for his uncle and that he would wait for the teacher when school dismissed. However, the uncle visited the school and left.
He returned with about four men. They then attacked the teacher who was at the printery located opposite the school.
The uncle grabbed the teacher from behind, holding his arms, and allowed the student and the other friends to beat the teacher which resulted in physical harm. Blood oozed from the teacher’s nose and mouth.
Yesterday, teachers were protesting outside the school calling for justice.
The teachers chanted, “We need justice”, “We need justice”, “I need justice”, “Enough is enough”.
They also held placards with the following messages, “There is no discipline in schools anymore,” “Student violence against teachers has become a norm and that’s not okay”, “Teachers are not punching bags” and “No justice, no teaching”.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand took to her Facebook page and said, “Yesterday, not too long after he was beaten and as soon as I had heard, I spoke to teacher Marlon Daniels of the Fort Wellington Secondary to find out what had happened. Upon learning of the details I offered my and the Ministry’s full support. There can be no reason offered that would be accepted as to why students or their relatives would beat a teacher. I expect the Guyana Police Force to act swiftly.”
For the year, more than 12 teachers have been assaulted while on duty.
