Teachers in Berbice Tuesday held a protest demanding violence be stopped against teachers. Bearing placards, the teachers took to the streets demanding “we want justice” “enough is enough” and “stop violence against teachers,” “how much more must we endure as teachers?” The chants were interspersed with the trade union’s Solidarity song.
Within recent times there have been numerous reports of student-on-teacher violence.
During the protest a teacher was overheard saying ‘you can’t discipline the children, their parents would even come and beat you up.’ Another was overheard saying ‘this violence must stop, we need to be respected as teachers.’
This publication spoke with the General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) who informed the protest was sparked by a Fort Wellington Secondary School teacher being attacked by a student and his relative on Monday after school.
Teacher Marlon Daniels reportedly took some students to the headteacher to be disciplined. A male student was upset and left the school to get his uncle. After school the teacher, who was at a photocopy shop doing business, was sprung upon by the student, his uncle and others.
After the incident Minister of Education Priya Manickchand took to her social media account stating “ [Monday], 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.”
However, McDonald said there is need for more than a reactionary to student on teacher violence. She said she had cause to raise this matter in the national assembly during the Budget Debates and called on the minister to set the example by her behaviours and that of political colleagues so students and society can have positive role models.
According to McDonald, the fallen standards set by government officials is making it harder for teachers to enforce discipline, good and acceptable behaviors in the classrooms. The situation is becoming untenable, she said, reflecting deep concern in her voice.
