Panic alert system for schools affected by gang violence – Pres. Ali

Sounding the alarm over the rise of gang violence in schools, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the government will invest in advanced technology to help manage and respond to such incidents.

“We are working now with the technology providers to give us a technology that we can share with at risk women, at risk schools, which include a panic system that would allow for more effective support to schools, teachers, parents and women,” he disclosed on Wednesday during his address at the opening ceremony of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference.

The President noted that reports from stakeholders including faith groups, parents, and school administrators show a surge in student violence and possible gang-related incidents.

“We have to deal with the growing gangs in our school system,” he affirmed.

The President also underscored the need to launch a massive educational campaign on issues surrounding rape.

“Starting from the school system. Let us not be shy about this situation in our schools. We’ve seen the videos on social media. It’s all over the world, this is not a Guyana problem, this is a global problem,” he noted.

“We have to design a programme to start in the school system. We have to design a programme to help the church youth group, the Islamic youth groups, the Hindu society youth group. We have to launch a massive public education programme,” he added.

While these systems are being introduced to curb gang threats, President Ali emphasised that enforcement measures alone are not enough. He called for young people to become “agents of change” while appealing to the Guyana Police Force to help in this regard.

Speaking on school-based violence and domestic violence, President Ali noted that “ending this scourge requires more than arrests after the fact.”

He said it demands strong partnerships among all stakeholders.

“We all are aware that our young people are growing up in a totally different environment…we have to address the challenges of our young people. Their priorities are very much different, their outlook in life is changing. And a more prosperous country can lead to false identification. We therefore have a greater responsibility,” he emphasised.

Referring to his recent visit to Puruni in Region Seven, he said some employers there informed that it is difficult to find local persons willing to work for $15,000-$20,000 per day.

“…that the young people prefer to work three days at $25,000,” the President said, noting that he observed predominately foreign workers.

In this regard, he emphasised the need for youths to be positively redirected.

“We need to form youth groups across the country, channel young peoples’ energies into more purposeful directions, this is critical in establishing a stable foundation for the future of our country,” he emphasised.