Ministry of Education Statement on Security situation at School of the Nations

Ministry of Education, Statement – Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry convened a high-level meeting on Tuesday, January 29, with the leadership of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), officials from the School of the Nations and senior officers from the Ministry of Education.

During the meeting, officials were briefed on the status of the investigations concerning threats made to the school on a social media platform. The GPF pointed out that the matter at that school is being treated as a priority and is being investigated by the GPF Major Crimes Unit.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry [seated left, centre of the table] flanked by officials from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), School of the Nations and senior officers of the Ministry of Education

Additionally, the police gave the assurance that the perpetrator will be brought to justice even as the force explores new leads and continues to question some students in the presence of their parents. Additionally, the GPF will conduct regular patrols at schools along with other security measures.

The Ministry of Education has undertaken to work closely with the school to assist in bringing a speedy resolution to this matter. The Minister of Education said that the MoE would be expanding and strengthening its Schools Support Unit to address such issues. The Education Ministry will also provide training and other support mechanisms to assist parents in navigating the challenges that comes with parenting.

Added to the menu of measures, the Ministry will also be setting up a help hotline to assist children who are struggling with issues at school and elsewhere. Moreover, the Schools Welfare Department will be conducting regular outreaches at locations, such as malls, to meet the younger population with the view of addressing social and other issues affecting them.

The Ministry of Education continues to monitor the situation at School of the Nations and will continue to work with the relevant agencies in bringing an end to this situation.