Teachers caught on video abusing children sent on leave – MOE as full probe launches

STATEMENT BY THE HON. SONIA PARAG, M.P. MINISTER OF EDUCATION ON THE MISTREATMENT OF STUDENTS AT THE DAVID ROSE SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SCHOOL:

I am deeply disturbed and hurt by the video currently being circulated publicly which appears to show acts of abuse being perpetrated against students of the David Rose Special Education Needs School in Georgetown.

No child should ever be subjected to such treatment, particularly within a school environment entrusted with their care, development and protection. Our children with special educational needs, as all children do, deserve patience, compassion, dignity and love. They deserve to learn in spaces where they feel safe, supported and valued.

I wish to advise that both teachers seen in the video will be placed on administrative leave with effect from tomorrow, Friday 29th May 2026, to facilitate a full and impartial investigation. This investigation, together with the relevant reports and recommendations, is expected to be completed by Monday 1st June 2026.

The Ministry of Education will exert the fullest extent of its authority and resources to ensure that this matter is addressed urgently and appropriately. We will not allow any educator to perpetuate abuse against children with special needs, or indeed against any child within our school system.

To the parents and families affected by what they have seen, I wish to say that I understand the distress, hurt and anger this incident has caused. As parents, guardians and caregivers, you place enormous trust in our education system each day when you send your children to school. That trust must never be violated. It is precisely because the Government of Guyana continues to place significant emphasis on strengthening special education support and services that this matter is being treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.

As one of the immediate next steps arising from this matter, I will move to have a Board of Governors established for the institution, with representation that includes parents, so as to strengthen oversight, accountability and engagement between the school and the families it serves.

The Ministry of Education remains committed to ensuring that every child in our education system is protected and treated with dignity.

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