Classrooms remain empty despite Govt’s assurances

May 01, 2025 News

Kaieteur News- Despite assurances from the Ministry of Home Affairs that the national situation is “returning to normalcy,” schools across Guyana remained largely empty again on Wednesday, with many classrooms abandoned.

Classrooms remain empty despite Govt’s assurances

An empty classroom at Carmel Secondary School

The low turnout follows violent protests that erupted Monday evening, after the autopsy conducted on 11-year-old Adriana Younge concluded she died by drowning—a finding strongly contested by her family and members of the public. The protests escalated into clashes with riot police, who fired rubber pellets at demonstrators who also responded with bricks, bottles, and burning debris. Looting occurred at several businesses, particularly along Regent, Camp, and Lamaha Streets. There were also attempts to break into the City Mall.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, on Tuesday, assured citizens that the situation was under control. “The Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Robeson Benn, has advised that the Joint Services, comprising of the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Defence Force and other agencies, have been actively engaged to ensure the continued safety of all citizens.”

Dolphin Secondary School compound, empty classroom doors closed

The statement further noted, “At this time, the situation across the country remains stable, with the exception of one isolated area along the Mabura trail to Linden. Authorities are currently resolving the situation to ensure that it does not impact on the broader restoration of normalcy.”

Though schools were scheduled to reopen on Monday following the two-week Easter holiday, fear and uncertainty stemming from the protests have kept students at home. The education ministry is yet to release an official statement regarding the ongoing disruption of schools.

A closed Charlestown Secondary School

Kaieteur News visited several schools in Georgetown on Wednesday and found a consistent pattern: empty classrooms, with teachers present, but no or very few students. Some schools were closed entirely during learning hours.

At Carmel Secondary School, the headteacher reported that only one student showed up—and left shortly after.

“Now we need to figure out how we are going to accommodate this week’s teachings into next week,” the headteacher said.

“I am concerned for the CXC students. They have CSEC just now. The children learn better face-to-face. We would have issues with online learning, so I am concerned.”

Despite the absence of students, the headteacher confirmed that approximately 90 per cent of the teaching staff reported for duty on Wednesday. She added that the Ministry of Education has instructed schools to submit attendance records for both teachers and students.

At Dolphin Secondary School, a similar situation was observed. Most classroom doors remained closed, though teachers were present on-site. A teacher from the school told Kaieteur News that online sessions will be held this week.

The New Central High School

The New Central High School also saw no students, with teachers alone present in the compound.

Charlestown Secondary was completely shut, with locked gates and no sounds of activity or learning taking place.

A teacher from President’s College said only a small number of students went to school, and those who did were placed together in a single room under supervision.

Kaieteur News learnt that there was either closed schools or very low turnout at schools on the East Bank of Demerara.

The recent violent unrest across the country has caused many parents to be fearful for their children’s safety, contributing to the widespread absenteeism.

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