Two teachers dismissed from David Rose Special School after abuse probe

Jul 03, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Two trained teachers from the David Rose Special Education Needs School have been dismissed following an investigation into the mistreatment of a student, which was captured in a widely circulated video. Sources within the education system confirmed with Kaieteur News that the teachers were terminated on June 23, 2026.

When Kaieteur News visited the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to verify the dismissals and ascertain when an official report would be published, the efforts proved futile. This newspaper was informed that the TSC Secretary was in a meeting and unable to comment.

However, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag on Wednesday addressed reporters regarding the matter, noting that the Ministry has already submitted its findings. “Because it has gone to the TSC, we have put through our recommendations, based on our own inquiry that we have held,” Minister Parag said.

“We had asked the TSC to kindly issue a statement to the public on their findings as they are the Commission that has to deal with the final… as they are employed through there and they should be the ones issuing the statement.”

Earlier this month, Kaieteur News reported that the Ministry of Education had compiled and forwarded its full investigation file to the TSC. The file contained detailed reports, statements, findings, and formal disciplinary recommendations arising from the Ministry’s probe into the videoed incident.

In a previous update, Minister Parag had emphasised that while the Ministry manages the State’s education system, the ultimate authority to discipline or dismiss public school teachers rests solely with the constitutional body under Guyanese law. “Article 209(1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana provides that the power to appoint, remove, and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding offices as teachers in the public service shall vest in the Teaching Service Commission,” a Ministry statement had clarified.

The TSC had subsequently indicated that its disciplinary hearing process would conclude within ten days. The Ministry’s intervention began on Friday, May 29, 2026, when Minister Parag visited the institution to meet with the affected parents, guardians, and the headteacher to offer reassurances and implement immediate support mechanisms for the student. Since that initial visit, authorities have held follow-up meetings with the school’s staff, the executive body of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and the wider PTA membership to gather information.

To prevent future occurrences and improve accountability at the institution, the Ministry has announced structural changes, including the establishment of a Board of Governors for the school. The board will include direct representation from parents to enhance supervision and rebuild trust. Simultaneously, the Minister’s office confirmed it is working directly with the victim’s family to guarantee the child receives all necessary support for his well-being, recovery, and continued learning in a secure environment. Meanwhile, former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Annette Ferguson indicated that efforts are currently underway to draft a policy specifically addressing corporal punishment at Special Needs Schools, alongside a policy regarding the school’s camera system.

Addressing separate concerns raised by teachers and parents regarding high student-to-teacher ratios at the facility, the education administration has promised to address the staffing issue. The Ministry has re-emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance policy regarding student abuse, stating unequivocally that the actions seen in the video do not align with national educational standards.

“The Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting every child within our education system,” the Ministry statement concluded. “The treatment depicted in the video is wholly unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards, or expectations that we hold for those entrusted with the care and education of our nation’s children.”

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

abuse, David Rose Special School, mistreatment, teachers dismissed

Latest News