Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has issued a strong condemnation following a shocking acid attack on students and a teacher at Chateau Margot Primary School, describing the incident as a deliberate act intended to spread fear among families and communities.
The attack occurred on Monday, when men on a motorcycle threw a corrosive substance-suspected to be acid-at pupils and a teacher as they were leaving the school. The incident unfolded amid broader unrest across the country, heightening national anxiety about public safety and the sanctity of educational spaces.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that the attack was not a domestic dispute but a random, orchestrated act of terror designed to instill fear in parents and children alike. “It could be any child; your child walking along with a group like what happened there. And somebody randomly comes up and throws something on them-it was designed to create fear,†he said.
The Vice President called for the perpetrators to be swiftly arrested and charged with attempted murder, and urged authorities to identify those who masterminded the attack. He stressed that such acts are part of a campaign of terror aimed at destabilizing communities and undermining the sense of security for all families, regardless of background.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, echoed these sentiments, labeling the attack as indefensible and suggesting that those responsible could face terrorism charges under Guyana’s Criminal Law (Offences) Act. The law provides for severe penalties, including long prison terms and hefty fines, for acts of terrorism-even if no fatalities occur.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali responded by meeting with the affected students, teachers, and their parents at State House, offering reassurance and support. Ministers of Education, Human Services, and Social Security also visited the victims, ensuring they received immediate medical attention and ongoing specialized care.
The Ministry of Education has unequivocally condemned the attack, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining schools as safe spaces for learning and development. Trauma-focused counseling and follow-up support have been put in place for the students, teachers, and their families as part of a comprehensive recovery framework.
As the investigation continues, authorities have pledged to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring a sense of safety to the nation’s schools. The incident has prompted renewed calls for unity, vigilance, and the protection of children and educators across Guyana.
