Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, has confirmed the establishment of a tribunal to investigate the actions of two Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA) officers seen in a video dragging a schoolgirl. The officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
“A tribunal has been constituted, and the officers have provided reports. We are gathering all of that,” Dr. Persaud stated in an interview with the News Room. The tribunal will review the reports submitted by the officers and compile findings that will guide any subsequent action by the ministry.
In providing an update on the investigation, Dr. Persaud emphasized that the ministry acted swiftly after becoming aware of the video. “The ministry and the Child Care and Protection Agency believe that the rights of children must be protected,” she noted, adding that “children must be safe from harm and abuse.”
Dr. Persaud pointed out that the footage raised several serious concerns within the ministry. “That video raised a lot of red flags and questions for us, leading to immediate action involving the officers being placed on administrative leave,” she explained.
Given the gravity of the situation, the Guyana Police Force has also been informed. Dr. Persaud assured that the ministry is committed to ensuring that all procedures and protocols are followed during the investigation process.
Additionally, she highlighted the necessity of established protocols that govern the actions of CPA officers. “I want to make it clear that there are protocols that must be strictly followed based on our legislation and policy,” she stated, mentioning that officers undergo continuous training.
Dr. Persaud also referenced the ministry’s “Street Light” program, which aims to ensure that officers conduct daily outreach to monitor children’s well-being. “The Street Light program was started where officers go out three times daily to ensure children are in school and are not engaging in risky behavior,” she added.
