Regional Police Division 4B Strengthens Partnership with Ministry of Education to Address School Violence
In response to rising incidents of school-related violence, Regional Police Division 4B, under the leadership of Commander Superintendent Wayne De Hearte, held a collaborative meeting with the Ministry of Education’s Schools’ Welfare Department on September 9, 2025, at the Divisional Headquarters.
The Ministry’s delegation included Senior Schools Welfare Officer Ms. Rafena Zaman, Regional Welfare Officer Ms. Yolanda James, and Senior Guidance Counselor Mr. Akash Persaud. Also present were Woman Inspector Hall, Welfare Officer for Division 4B, and Woman Sergeant Amsterdam, Community Relations Officer.
Discussions centered on strategies to prevent and address violence in high-risk schools, with an emphasis on early intervention, stronger student support systems, and promoting positive youth development. Both agencies stressed the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure safer learning environments.
Commander De Hearte reaffirmed the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to youth safety, stating:
“Our children’s safety is a shared responsibility. By working hand-in-hand with educators and welfare officers, we can prevent issues from escalating and create safer, more supportive spaces for our young people.”
The meeting concluded with an agreement to launch a pilot programme featuring school outreach activities, conflict resolution workshops, and community engagement forums. These initiatives aim to reduce violence, strengthen relationships among students, teachers, parents, and law enforcement, and reinforce the role of partnership policing in building resilient communities.
