Berbice student in viral video suspended for abusing peers

A student of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) who was recorded abusing three others has been suspended.

The Ministry of Education in a statement on Friday said it found that the video was recorded on March 25, 2019.

In the video, which was posted on social media on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, and widely shared, the student could be noticed cuffing, slapping and using a belt to beat three others in their head and face.

Following the investigation, the Ministry said the student who was found abusing the others, was suspended and is undergoing counselling.

“He had informed that he has been a victim of bullying by his class and school mates,” the Ministry noted.

The students were placed at the Institute under the Ministry of the Public Security’s Citizen’s Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP).

The victims that were beaten will also receive counselling as coordinated by the CSSP counsellor, the NATI Welfare Officer and the Ministry of Education’s Senior Guidance and Counselling Officer, the Education Ministry pledged.

Following the revelation of the incident, the Ministry said it held meeting with the Administration of the Institute, Senior Officers of the CSSP, some members of the Board of Governors of NATI and the Assistant Chief Education Officer – Technical.

Subsequently, the students involved in the incident were interviewed in the presence of their parents/guardians. A meeting was also held with the parents/guardians of all students of the NATI.

A meeting was also held with the academic staff of the institution.

An assembly was held with the entire student population to reiterate the Ministry of Education’s non-tolerance to violence and students were also reminded of their signed commitment to obey the rules of the Institute prior to being admitted to the institution.

Since the incident, the regular welfare and counselling sessions are being conducted including Conflict Management and anger control and management.

Several recommendations were also made, which include increased frequency of assemblies at the institution where sections of the rules and procedures must be discussed at these assemblies.

“At these assemblies, students will be encouraged to report incidents and the procedure for doing so must be explained,” the Ministry said.

To further address the issue of bullying on a bigger scale, the Institute will be launching an Anti-bullying campaign to ensure that students are sensitized on the negative effects of bullying. The Institute is to be declared a ‘No-Bullying’ Institution.