Viral bullying of special needs student sparks national uproar

…possible transfers for students accused of bullying peer

In the wake of a disturbing bullying incident involving a special needs student at Ann’s Grove Secondary School, the Education Ministry has initiated firm disciplinary actions, including mandatory counselling, psychological evaluations, and in some cases, the transfer of students involved in the abuse.

The intervention follows the viral circulation of a video showing several students slapping and hurling abusive language at the victim. The matter was first brought to light by a cousin of the injured student and has since sparked national outrage.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, visited the child’s home in Victoria Village over the weekend, and later dispatched a high-level team from the Ministry to Ann’s Grove Secondary for an extensive, pre-scheduled meeting with affected students, parents, and teachers.
The ministry’s delegation was led by Deputy Chief Education Officer for Administration, Tiffany Favorite-Harvey, and included ACEOs Sherwyn Blackman and Dr. Keon Cheong, along with Regional Education Officer Keane Adams. The team spent hours listening to accounts, and consulting with school staff.
According to a Ministry release, sanctions were determined based on the severity of each student’s involvement in the abuse. Offending students face “mandatory counselling, psychological evaluations, and/or transfers,” along with rigid monitoring going forward.
The Ministry also expressed deep disappointment that the school’s internal mechanisms failed to act appropriately or in a timely manner.
“We are currently investigating why this system failed in this instance,” the Ministry said. “Ann’s Grove Secondary has a full-time counsellor, as do most secondary schools. This incident should never have reached this stage.”
The Ministry confirmed that more than 133 counsellors are employed across 117 secondary schools, with further efforts underway to increase capacity in hinterland regions, where such expertise remains limited.
During her visit, Minister Manickchand offered comfort and reassurance to the young victim and her family.

“You are special and you are loved,” she told the student, emphasizing that Guyana no longer views special needs as a hindrance to learning and thriving.
The Minister further committed to personally tracking the case, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s broader mission to ensure safe and inclusive schools for every child.

Call for accountability
The Ministry is now conducting a full internal review into the school’s initial handling of the incident, and has pledged appropriate action at the conclusion of the probe.
This case has reignited public discourse around school violence, special education inclusion, and institutional accountability.
The Ministry has called on all educators, parents, and students to help uphold the principles of dignity, safety, and equality in the education system.
“This is not just about punishment—it’s about changing the culture in our schools,” said one Ministry official involved in the investigation. “No child should ever feel unsafe or unwelcome in their learning environment.”