A teacher of the Graham’s Hall Primary School in Cummings Lodge was yesterday physically assaulted by a parent of a pupil. The teacher has been identified as Shawn Marshall. Reports say that Marshall was taken to the hospital after the incident.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has since expressed grave concern over the incident. “Whatever the circumstances, it is a reprehensible and ghastly act. It is unacceptable and will not be condoned in the least,” the Ministry said in a statement.
While details of the incident are yet to be disclosed, the police have confirmed that they are investigating the assault.
The Ministry noted that schools are considered a safe space and any act of violence is deemed unacceptable.
“When parents or guardians are engaged in violent acts against teachers, it goes against established values, norms, and expectations. We cannot beat teachers and then ask them to teach our children peaceful conflict resolution,” the MoE added.
According to the ministry, it will take all appropriate actions to ensure that all teachers continue to work in a safe and secure environment, including prohibiting violent parents or guardians from having access to school premises, transferring any learner whose parents commit acts of violence on teachers out of the school.
Police or any institution or authority are encouraged to take whatever action the law prescribes.
“Parents or guardians are reminded that in any instance where an incident occurs with a teacher, the matter must be brought to the attention of the head teacher or teacher in-charge of the school or institution,” the ministry said.
In a brief statement, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte said: “The Guyana Teacher’s Union gives its full support to the action planned by staff of the school for tomorrow to wear black as a show of solidarity for our colleague. We therefore ask that this solidarity stand be taken by all teachers in Guyana. Violence against teachers must end now. Graham’s Hall Primary, we are with you,” he said.
