Classes at the Timehri Primary School on the East Bank of Demerara were abruptly suspended on Monday afternoon after a grenade was found in the possession of a Grade Five pupil.
Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that a teacher noticed the child playing with the explosive device, which she subsequently inspected and concluded tentatively was indeed a “real” grenade.
She, nevertheless, had doubts and as such, took the device to the head teacher of the school who thought that it was a toy grenade. Not satisfied with the opinion of the head teacher, the teacher went to another colleague, who after examining the item was similarly convinced that it was a genuine grenade, given its weight and appearance.
Timehri Primary School
This prompted the teacher in question to contact the Police, who confirmed that the “toy” grenade was, in fact, real. This caused pandemonium in the school, and the children were seen rushing out of the building. A source told this publication that the child who was playing with the explosive device was taken to the Timehri Police Station and his relatives were contacted.
Up to late Monday afternoon, the head teacher and the parents, along with the child, were being questioned. Attempts to make contact with an education official proved futile. Calls to Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s phone went unanswered.
Also, attempts to contact Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum proved futile. When contacted, ranks at the Timehri Police Station told Guyana Times that they could not divulge any information on the find.
