Reported abuse at David Rose School – Teachers suspended after video shows students being beaten with belt

Teachers at the centre of an investigation into allegations involving the David Rose School for Special Education remain on administrative leave as the Ministry of Education warns that disciplinary action and possible legal consequences may follow pending the outcome of its probe. Education Minister Sonia Parag on Friday revealed that teachers involved in the ongoing investigation at the David Rose School for Special Education remain under scrutiny as the Ministry moves to implement additional measures aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability at the institution.
The Minister made the disclosure after visiting the school earlier in the day, where she met with parents and family members of the immediately affected students, along with the head teacher and other staff members, to discuss the steps being taken to address what she described as a deeply troubling matter. As one of the immediate actions arising from the incident, Parag announced plans to establish a board of governors for the institution, with representation that includes parents, in an effort to strengthen oversight, accountability, and engagement between the school and the families it serves.

She also assured parents and relatives that the Ministry is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency. According to the Minister, the Ministry, in collaboration with its Welfare Unit, Special Educational Needs Department, and an administrative team, is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, with decisive action expected against anyone found to have been involved, whether directly or indirectly.
Parag further reaffirmed the Ministry’s zero-tolerance policy against abuse within the education system, emphasising that every child, particularly those with special educational needs, must be treated with dignity, patience, care and protection while under the supervision of educational institutions. The Education Ministry said it remains committed to ensuring that every child within the education system is protected and treated with dignity.
In expressing how disturbed she was by the incident, the Minister stated, “I am hurt by the video currently being circulated publicly, which appears to show acts of abuse being perpetrated against students of the David Rose Special Education Needs School in Georgetown. No child should ever be subjected to such treatment, particularly within a school environment entrusted with their care, development, and protection. Our children with special educational needs, as all children do, deserve patience, compassion, dignity, and love. They deserve to learn in spaces where they feel safe, supported and valued.”
She added, “To the parents and families affected by what they have seen, I wish to say that I understand the distress, hurt, and anger this incident has caused. As parents, guardians, and caregivers, you place enormous trust in our education system each day when you send your children to school. That trust must never be violated. It is precisely because the Government of Guyana continues to place significant emphasis on strengthening special education support and services that this matter is being treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves.”
The Minister posited that the Education Ministry remains committed to ensuring that every child is protected and treated with dignity.