Full statement for Education Minster Sonia Parag
I wish to provide the nation with an update on the actions thus far taken by the Ministry of Education regarding the mistreatment of a student of the David Rose Special Education Needs School by two trained teachers employed at the institution.
On Friday 29th May 2026, I personally visited the school where I met with affected parents, guardians and the Head Teacher. The purpose of that visit was to listen directly to the concerns of families, offer reassurance that the matter would be treated with the utmost seriousness and ensure that immediate support mechanisms were put in place for the student affected.
Since then, the Ministry of Education has also met with members of staff of the school, the executive of the Parent-Teacher Association and the wider PTA body as part of our efforts to gather information, strengthen communication and ensure that all stakeholders are fully engaged in the process.
I wish to advise that a comprehensive file containing the reports, statements, findings and recommendations arising from the Ministry’s investigation has been compiled and sent to the Teaching Service Commission for its consideration and action.
It is important for the public to understand that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the management and oversight of the education system, the authority to appoint, exercise disciplinary control over and remove teachers employed in non-board schools’ rests with the Teaching Service Commission.
Article 209(1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana provides that, subject to the Constitution, “the power to appoint persons as teachers in the public service, and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices, shall vest in the Teaching Service Commission.” As such, the Commission is the constitutional body empowered to determine the disciplinary proceedings arising from this matter.
The Teaching Service Commission has advised that the disciplinary hearing process should be concluded within the next ten days. The Ministry will continue to cooperate fully with the Commission and provide any additional information required to facilitate the timely completion of the proceedings.
As previously indicated, steps have also been taken to strengthen oversight and governance at the institution. A Board of Governors has now been established for the David Rose Special Education Needs School, with representation that includes parents, to enhance accountability, supervision and engagement between the school and the families it serves. My office is also working closely with the family to ensure that the affected student receives the support necessary for his well-being, recovery and continued learning in a safe environment.
The Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting every child within our education system. The treatment depicted in the video is wholly unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards or expectations that we hold for those entrusted with the care and education of our nation’s children.
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