Police, Education Ministry developing comprehensive plan to address violence within schools 

In a proactive effort to tackle the rise of school-related violence, the Commander of Regional Police Division 4B, Superintendent Wayne De Hearte, convened a collaborative meeting with officials from the Ministry of Education’s Schools’ Welfare Department at the Divisional Headquarters on September 09, 2025.

The Ministry was represented by Ms. Rafena Zaman, Senior Schools Welfare Officer; Ms. Yolanda James, Regional Welfare Officer responsible for region 4, and Mr. Akash Persaud, Senior Guidance Counselor. Also in attendance were Woman Inspector Hall, Welfare Officer for Regional Division 4B, and Woman Sergeant Amsterdam, Community Relations Officer.

The discussions focused on developing a comprehensive plan to address emerging incidents of violence within high-risk schools, with a focus on prevention, early intervention, and strengthening support systems for students. Both agencies emphasised the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to creating a safer learning environment and promoting positive youth development.

Commander De Hearte highlighted the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to working hand-in-glove with schools and communities:

“Our children’s safety is a shared responsibility. By strengthening collaboration between the Police Force, educators, and welfare officers, we can address challenges before they escalate and build safer, more supportive spaces for our young people.”

The meeting concluded with an agreement to roll out joint initiatives (Pilot Programme), which include school outreach programmes, conflict resolution workshops, and community engagement forums. These are all designed to reduce incidents of violence and foster stronger relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the police.

This initiative underscores Regional Division 4B’s ongoing dedication to community partnership policing, with education and youth engagement at the heart of creating safer, more resilient communities.