Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Thursday confirmed that a tribunal has been established to investigate the conduct of two officers from the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) who were captured in a widely circulated video dragging a schoolgirl.
The minister said the officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
Dr. Persaud explained that the ministry moved swiftly after the video surfaced, noting that the incident raised “serious red flags and questions.”
“As the Ministry of Human Services and its Child Care Protection Agency, which is an arm of the ministry, we believe that the rights of children must be protected. Children must be safe from harm and abuse,” she stated.
She explained that the tribunal will examine reports submitted by the officers involved and hear directly from them before compiling its findings, which will then inform any further action by the ministry.
Dr. Persaud also disclosed that the matter has been referred to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure that all relevant procedures and protocols are followed during the investigation.
The minister further noted that the ministry maintains strict guidelines governing how CCPA officers interact with children and that staff members receive ongoing training to uphold those standards.
She also highlighted the ministry’s “street light programme,” through which officers conduct daily outreach to ensure that children attend school and are not exposed to unsafe environments.
The tribunal will review the available evidence and submit its report to the ministry, which will then determine the appropriate course of action.
