Guyana Teachers’ Union calls on ministry, police force following altercation at school

The Guyana Teachers’ Union has called on the Ministry of Education and Guyana Police Force to safeguard teachers after an incident on a school compound resulted in a teacher being armed with a cutlass.

According to reports, the altercation which took place last Thursday at Houston Secondary School involved a teacher, a parent, and a student.

A viral video shows the teacher attached to the school with a cutlass in her hand. Reports are that the female teacher was attacked and tried to defend herself.

The video showed a scuffle among the three.

Reports are that the male student was restrained by a security officer while the teacher and the parent were pulled apart from each other.

It is said that both the teacher and the parent were taken into custody at the North Ruimveldt Police Station. However, Attorney Darren Wade secured the teacher’s release.

Reports are that upon her release, the teacher shared that as an educator she would like to see a better relationship between teachers, parents, students, and teachers.

The Guyana Teachers’ Union in a Facebook post said that it is a shame to see the teacher go to an extreme to defend herself at her place of work.

“The same place where teachers are expected to educate and keep learners safe, they themselves are unsafe,” it said.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand also reacted to the incident. On her Facebook page she said that “In every altercation between a teacher and parent/s, a child will be affected. Remember that. And dial down all the talks of violence and hostility.”