By| Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has issued a scathing condemnation of two Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) officers following the release of a “disturbing and unacceptable” video. The footage, which went viral on Wednesday, shows the officers physically dragging a 15-year-old schoolgirl at a city bus park, with one officer seen pulling the child by her hair.
The Minister confirmed that both officers have been placed on immediate administrative leave as the government moves to take disciplinary and potentially legal action.
Zero Tolerance for Mistreatment
Minister Persaud emphasized that the behavior seen in the video is a direct violation of the mandate of child protection. She categorized the actions not as “welfare work,” but as acts of abuse.
- “Unacceptable” Conduct: The Minister stated that as custodians of children’s welfare, such behavior will not be tolerated.
- Disciplinary Hearing: A formal hearing involving the Permanent Secretary and senior CCPA leadership was convened today to review the case.
- Police Involvement: The Guyana Police Force has been officially notified of the incident, indicating that the officers may face criminal charges in addition to administrative penalties.
“While we follow all procedures and protocols, there will definitely be disciplinary action. The actions seen in the video amount to abuse and violence.” — Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services
Context: The “Street Sweep” Operations
The incident occurred during an ongoing series of operations targeting students loitering at city bus parks during school hours. These exercises began early last month as a collaboration between the CCPA and the Guyana Police Force.
- The Goal: To ensure students are in school and to reduce truancy.
- The Statistics: During the initial operation in February, 30 students were found loitering during school hours and were reportedly returned to their respective schools or guardians.
- The Failure: While the operations aim to protect children, the Minister acknowledged that the methods used in this specific case were contrary to the ministry’s core values of dignity and safety.
Public Outcry and Next Steps
The video has sparked intense debate regarding the “heavy-handed” tactics used by state agencies during truancy exercises.
| Status of Officers | Action Taken | Future Implications |
| Administrative Leave | Effective Wednesday, March 4. | Loss of pay or suspension pending full inquiry. |
| Internal Review | Underway by the Permanent Secretary. | Potential permanent dismissal from the Public Service. |
| Police Investigation | Active. | Potential charges of assault or child endangerment. |
The Ministry has pledged to provide counseling support to the 15-year-old victim, while her mother has already signaled her intent to seek justice through the court system.
