Police pledge strong action on child protection

Apr 08, 2026 News

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…amid rising public concerns, missing children

(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Police Force has moved to reassure the public that the safety and wellbeing of children remain a top priority, as concerns grow over recent incidents involving minors going missing for days.

In an official statement on Tuesday, the Force acknowledged ongoing public discussion surrounding child-related matters and emphasised that all reports are treated with the utmost seriousness and urgency. Police made it clear that cases involving missing children, abuse, neglect, or any threat to a child’s safety are actively addressed in coordination with relevant agencies, in keeping with the Government of Guyana’s broader child protection framework.

The Police Force said it remains vigilant in responding to such reports, noting that investigations are conducted thoroughly and professionally to ensure appropriate outcomes. “Matters involving children continue to receive close attention,” the statement noted, adding that every lawful effort is being made to ensure timely intervention and protection for those at risk.

The Force is also urging members of the public to play an active role by sharing information that could assist ongoing investigations. Officials stressed that timely reporting and cooperation are critical to effective response and safeguarding vulnerable children. Reaffirming its position, the Guyana Police Force said it remains committed to protecting the nation’s children and supporting all lawful efforts aimed at ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

Kaieteur News reported on Tuesday that an alarming wave of child disappearances has gripped Guyana, with at least 11 children reported missing in just two months, prompting urgent concern and renewed calls for accountability. Minister of Human Services Dr. Vindhya Persaud says the government is now moving to strengthen its response, announcing new initiatives aimed specifically at tackling the growing crisis. In a video message on Sunday posted on her Facebook page, Dr Persaud said: “We have a missing children policy at the ministry. We will also be working to roll out a few more programmes to deal with missing children. You will be hearing about that,” she informed,

She stressed that parents, guardians and caregivers have a responsibility to take account of their children’s whereabouts. “I am seeing a lot of children are going missing…You need to know where your children are. Parents and caregivers can be charged for negligence,” she expressed. “Everyone looks for someone to blame, but at the end of the day, these children have parents and guardians who must take responsibility,” she continued.

Persaud explained that parents and other adults can be charged if they have knowledge of what the children are doing but are remaining silent. “They can be charged if they know that their child is going with big men, adults; sleeping out, having a relationship with older people,” she said, adding, “You really need to pay attention because too often, we see these girls going missing. They dress, they go to school, but are you paying attention? There is a law out there and the law can be enforced.” As for the perpetrators, she reminded that any sexual activity with a child under 16 constitutes statutory rape. “Once that child speaks up and does the forensic interview and calls you out, you will get yourself in trouble; you could get yourself jailed.”  When a child goes missing, she said, the Guyana Police Force takes the lead in the investigation, while the Childcare and Protection Agency works alongside them to provide support and follow-up. She encouraged parents and guardians to build strong relationships with teachers, headteachers, and welfare officers in schools so they can stay informed and ensure their children are attending school. Persaud’s comments came a couple of days after APNU Parliamentarian Terrence Campbell raised the issue of a growing crisis in child safety and highlighting the number of cases of missing children lately. “Never in my lifetime have I ever seen so many cases of missing children in such a short time,” he expressed, noting that these cases underscore the urgent need for stronger child protection systems, community awareness, and coordinated action.

He observed that there have been no visible reports of individuals being prosecuted in cases involving underage pregnancies, raising concerns about accountability and enforcement of the law. While the Ministry of Human Services had announced the establishment of a rapid response team to address child abuse and neglect, he noted that the country is now facing what he described as an epidemic of missing children.

Campbell emphasised the need for a dedicated response team specifically focused on cases of missing children, along with the vigorous prosecution of perpetrators involved in abuse and exploitation. He also called for the creation of a national missing persons database to improve tracking and coordination. Additionally, he expressed concern that while missing persons reports are frequently made public, there is often little to no follow-up information. He stressed that the public should be informed when each and every missing child is found.

Based on information he presented, around 1st February, Unita Girdharie, 16, of Enterprise, was reported missing. Just two days later, on 3^rd February, Kevin James, 13, was also reported missing. Fifteen-year-old Durga Singh went missing from a child protection agency, raising serious concerns about the safety and oversight within institutions meant to protect vulnerable children.

Also in February, 14-year-old Aleena Preetam died just one month after giving birth, drawing attention to issues on teenage pregnancy and access to maternal care for young girls. On 24^th February, Tianna Chapman, 15, was stabbed more than 25 times allegedly by the father of her child.

On 10^th March, Runica Gittens, 16, from Linden, was reported missing; on 17^th March, Jada Adrian, 13, was reported missing, followed by Jasmine Mahadeo, 12, on 18^th March. By 22^nd March, Jania De Costa, 13, had also been reported missing.  24^th March saw a cluster of cases: Romia Moore, 14; Aniah Stuart, 15; and Akelia George, 15, were all reported missing. The following day, 25^th March, Shellon Allen, 13, of Kuru Kuru, was also reported missing.

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• Child Protection, kites, missing children, police

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