An investigation has been launched into the breakage of the dormitory at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) while students were away amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The institution launched an investigation after students brought it to the attention of the institution’s administration department that thieves had raided their dormitory.
The Cyril Potter College of Education
Several students of the educational institution reached out to this publication after they were left in the dark as to the status of the investigation.
Speaking with this publication, a first-year student said that in March, students were told that the facility would be closed for two weeks as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread in Guyana.
“That afternoon most persons packed a small bag and left campus as instructed by the administration, leaving all our belongings in the dormitory,” the student related.
Other students related that after two weeks, the institution remained closed and as such, several calls were made to the institution with respect to them retrieving their belongings. One student related that they were told that they could not retrieve the items unless permission was granted by the administration or the Education Ministry.
Another student related that after a long wait they were finally given permission to uplift their belongings. However, upon their arrival, they were met with the tragedy.
The trainees are alleging that when they arrived at the institution, the only thing that was left in most of their rooms were papers. All of their clothing, flash drives and other important items were missing.
“They (the institution’s administration) asked us to make a list with everything that were stolen and submit it. We did that and it has been six months and we have not heard anything,” a student related.
Additionally, the students are also concerned about their studies as it has been over six months since they have been able to do any academic work.
When contacted, CPCE’s Principal, Volda Rowe, in a statement said, “We regret this unfortunate situation and want to inform our students affected and our clients and customers that this matter has engaged the attention of the College administration, the Board of Governors and the Ministry of Education, Central.”
She added that the situation is currently under investigation by the security service provider, and the outcome is forthcoming.
“Please be assured that the authorities are moving swiftly to bring some resolve to this matter,” the principal said.
With respect to the concerns about the academic work, she said that classes will resume on September 28 and will be done in a phased manner, using blended modalities.
