HGP Nightly News – Concerns over rising incidents of violence, bullying, and misconduct in Guyana’s schools are being framed not only as disciplinary matters but as indicators of deeper systemic challenges. APNU Member of Parliament and Attorney-at-Law Dr. Dexter Todd, speaking at a PNCR/APNU press conference last week, argued that the education system’s current reactive approach is insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
Todd pointed to inconsistencies in how school-related incidents are handled, claiming that some cases are addressed promptly while others are delayed or disregarded. He suggested that this uneven response reflects bias in the management of student welfare and discipline.
Recent reports of fights, weapons being found on school compounds, and allegations of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students were cited as evidence of a troubling trend. Todd linked these developments to broader social pressures, including economic hardship, rising costs of living, and increasing poverty, which he said place strain on families and young people.
He criticized what he described as a lack of vision and effective policy direction, warning that without decisive intervention, these issues risk becoming entrenched. Todd called for stronger incident reporting systems to ensure students can safely raise concerns, timely investigations, and access to counseling for both victims and accused individuals. He also urged improvements to school security, noting that in many institutions students can enter and leave compounds without adequate supervision.
Importantly, Todd cautioned against stigmatizing students by labeling them as part of a “pandemic gang.” He argued that such characterizations are harmful, particularly as students continue to recover from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he advocated for greater investment in counseling, teacher training, and community engagement to provide support rather than stigma.
