6-year-old boy allegedly sodomised in school’s washroom

—Police, Education Ministry, CCPA launch probe

A six-year-old primary school pupil is now traumatised after he was allegedly sexually assaulted in the washroom of his East Coast Demerara (ECD) school.

Police Commander of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Subdivision C (East Coast Demerara), Assistant Police Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor

Police Commander of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Subdivision C (East Coast Demerara), Assistant Police Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor, confirmed that investigators are currently probing the incident, which was reported to law enforcement authorities earlier this week.
He stated that at this point, there are no suspects in custody since the Police have not been able to obtain a statement from the victim about the allegations.
The Commander explained that in matters relating to child abuse in any form or manner, there are channels which have to be followed and that the first step is to ensure that the child (victim) receives the medical attention and counselling he/she may need before the Police take a statement.
As such, the Social Protection Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) is currently playing their part of the investigation before the child speaks to Police ranks.
However, the Police Commander noted that the complaint was filed by the victim’s mother after her son told her and his father about the incident when he returned home from school.
It is expected that early next week, investigators will be able to speak with the child about the details of the incident. Once this is done, he added, the Police will have a lead to follow-up especially as to who is involved.
He added that at this juncture, the most important part is that the child is taken care of and receives the care he needs in order to recover as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry, in a release to the press Thursday evening, stated that it has been made aware through social media (Facebook) about a post which read” “East Coast Demerara primary school student beaten and sodomised by more than six students in school toilet”.
According to the Ministry, a probe has been launched from its end.
“The Ministry of Education wishes to advise that an incident involving students is actively being investigated and a number of stakeholders are involved in the matter. The Ministry of Education is appealing to individuals to desist from sensationalising issues related to minors and to engage in responsible reporting,” the Ministry’s statement added. (Kristen Macklingam)