at Meten-Meer-Zorg NDC
A deeply disturbing incident has come to light involving a 16-year-old girl who was placed at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) as part of her school’s work-study program. The teen’s family is alleging that she was encouraged by a staff member to taste a chemical substance, which she later found out was poisonous.
The girl’s aunt, who spoke out emotionally during a live social media broadcast, recounted the events that unfolded after she received an urgent call from her brother — the father of the teen.
“He told me to come right away. I asked what happened, and he said my niece was at the NDC for work study and someone there asked her to taste a chemical — something poisonous,” she said.
According to the family, the teen was hesitant but was being called by the staff to “do something,” which is expected as part of work-study duties. However, when one of the staff members reportedly asked her to taste the chemical, she immediately refused. Another staff member allegedly warned her not to do it, telling her directly that it was poison.
The girl, who recently completed her CXC exams, was said to be traumatized and in tears after the experience. “She was scared. She’s only 16. This was her first time in a work environment and this is what she had to face,” her aunt explained.
What added insult to injury, the family claims, is that after raising concerns about the incident, NDC staff dismissed it as “just a prank.”
“You don’t prank people’s children with poison. That’s not a joke. She could’ve been harmed or worse,” the aunt said, clearly upset. “Our children are our future. You don’t put their lives at risk like this.”
The family has also raised concerns about how the matter was handled at the police station. They stated that they were advised not to give a statement to a particular officer, Leroy Smith, citing mistrust and previous allegations involving the officer.
The aunt emphasized that the family will be speaking to their lawyers before submitting any statements and intends to pursue justice for the traumatic experience her niece endured. She also expressed fears that authorities may try to downplay or deflect the issue by blaming the child or creating false narratives about her mental health — something the family vehemently denies.
“She’s not depressed. She’s not having problems at home. She’s a smart, well-loved child. She was just trying to gain work experience, and now she’s scared and broken,” the aunt said.
This incident comes in the wake of national concern for youth safety, especially following other recent cases involving children and teenagers in distress. The aunt made a passionate call to authorities, especially Minister Priya Manickchand, to urgently investigate the situation.
The family is demanding accountability and safer conditions for students participating in work-study programs across Guyana. They are also urging the public to take such matters seriously and not dismiss allegations involving minors as mere pranks.
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