The Guyana Police Force is investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle that approached two students of Marian Academy on Friday, November 1, 2024, in an incident that has raised concerns among parents and staff at the school.
According to a letter from the school’s principal, Sr. Shelly Jhetoo shared with parents and guardians, the incident occurred just before 4 p.m. when two Form 2 students were walking toward the Primary waiting area. The students reported that a heavily tinted silver car pulled up beside them, and a male driver, who was alone in the vehicle, offered them candy and invited them to get into the car. The left back seat window was rolled down, and the students could see the candy inside.
One of the students, feeling uneasy about the situation, quickly urged the other to decline the offer, and they both hurried to the Primary waiting area. The students took note of the car’s licence plate and immediately reported the incident to Ms. Duff, the Vice Principal of the Secondary Department.
In response to the incident, the principal contacted the Alberttown Police Station and was advised that the students’ parents would need to file a formal report. The following day, the father of one of the boys accompanied his son to the Alberttown Police Station to provide a statement. Constable Ferguson, who took the report, assured the family that the Guyana Revenue Authority would be contacted to trace the car’s owner, and an update would be provided soon.
When asked by Stabroek News yesterday for an update on the case, Mark Ramotar, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) of the Guyana Police Force, said that no new development had been reported at that time. “It was a report of a suspicious vehicle,” he said, adding that the investigation was ongoing.
In light of the incident, Principal Jhetoo emphasized the importance of safety measures at the school, including supervision for students half an hour before and after school hours. She also appealed to parents to have ongoing discussions with their children about the dangers of interacting with strangers, urging them to be cautious of anyone offering treats or asking them to get into vehicles. The principal also addressed concerns about misinformation circulating in the community, urging parents to confirm any information with the school before sharing it on social media or chat groups. She reassured parents that the school’s security system, including surveillance cameras and security guards, is in place to protect the students at all times.
Parents have been reminded that students should only leave the school compound with designated individuals, and any emergency pickups must be done through the main office with a gate pass for the security guard.
This incident has prompted a heightened awareness of child safety in the community.
Christ Church
The measures taken by Marian Academy are similar to communications from other institutions, including Christ Church Secondary School which also issued a statement yesterday to parents and guardians addressing the need for heightened safety protocols in response to rising concerns over the safety of students. Yesterday, the school sent a message to parents and guardians outlining the changes, which will take effect immediately.
The statement emphasized that the safety of students remains the school’s top priority. Among the new rules, the school has introduced restrictions on students leaving the campus during school hours, in light of the increasing number of incidents involving youths in the area.
Key measures include:
1. Restricted Movement During School Hours: No student will be permitted to leave the school compound between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This rule aims to minimize students’ exposure to potential risks outside the school during critical hours.
2. Meal Deliveries: Anyone dropping off meals for students must do so at the school office. Students will not be allowed to collect deliveries directly from anyone, ensuring that they remain in a controlled and secure environment.
3. Parental Requests for Early Pickup: Parents are no longer allowed to call and request that their child be sent home early. Instead, they must visit the school office directly if they need to collect their child. This change is designed to maintain better oversight and security during the school day.
4. No Third-Party Pickups: The school has stressed that only parents or legal guardians are permitted to collect students. No third parties will be allowed to uplift a child, further tightening security around student pickups.
5. Promoting Group Movement: The school is advising students to move in groups, both during school hours and after dismissal, to reduce vulnerability and ensure collective safety.
6. Safety as a Priority: The letter concluded with the message: “Your child’s SAFETY is our business.”
