Update on breaking and entry of teachers’ quarters in Port Kaituma, Region One

On Sunday and Monday last it was reported in two daily newspapers that the teachers’ quarters at Port Kaituma in Region one was broken into and several items belonging to two teachers were stolen. The Honourable Minister of Education Priya Manickchand and other officers intervened and reached out to the affected teachers and assured them that the stolen items will be replaced.

Subsequently, the Department of Education – Region One replaced all dietary, cleaning and other items that were stolen. Electronic items that could not be sourced in the Region were ordered externally, and those items will be in the Region before the end of this week. Additionally, repairs have been done on the building that was damaged during the burglary. The steel mesh on the windows was reinforced. Grill barriers will be installed shortly at the windows of the building.

The Department of Education in the Region has made arrangements for security guards to be rotated so that they can also guard the apartments during the nights until additional guards can be sourced. The Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) – Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development (Ag.) Mr Marti DeSouza and the Regional Education Officer Mr Nigel Richards visited the teachers and inspected the apartments.

The replacement items were handed over to the affected teachers and they were assured of the Region’s and the Ministry’s support in ensuring their safety and security. The local Police department has agreed to make regular checks/patrols in the neighbourhood, especially during the nights.

The teacher who highlighted the issue on social media subsequently thanked Minister Manickchand, Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, and Ministry of Education Officers Mr. DeSouza and Ms. Melcita Bovell for the assistance rendered following the incident.