Acid attack on students, teachers ‘act of evil’, says Manickchand

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has strongly condemned Monday’s acid attack that left three students and two teachers from Chateau Margot Primary School injured, calling it an act of “evil” that must be denounced by all Guyanese.

In a deeply emotional statement shared on her official Facebook page, Minister Manickchand said, “Yesterday, I went to the hospital with three children and two teachers who were attacked with what the doctor says is acid. How can this be excusable or justified or countenanced in any way? We were ready to stand together against any evil when we all thought evil was done to Adrianna. Let us stand against the evil of children and women being burnt by acid.”

She called on the public to unite against all forms of violence, particularly those that affect the nation’s children and educators.

Her statement comes amid heightened national tensions following the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

“Nothing that happened last night advanced the love and healing this family needs,” Manickchand said, referencing the looting, bigotry, and violence that followed the announcement of Adrianna’s death. “That was not in the name of Adrianna.”

In a separate official release, the Ministry of Education expressed its “deep concern” over the acid attack and emphasised that schools must remain safe havens for learning. “Any act that threatens this sanctity will not be tolerated,” the Ministry stated.

According to the Ministry, Minister Manickchand personally accompanied the injured pupils and teachers to a hospital in Georgetown, where she remained with them as they received medical attention. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safety and said it is working closely with law enforcement to ensure a full investigation is conducted.

Eyewitness accounts and videos shared online allege that two men on motorcycles threw the corrosive substance at the group on Monday afternoon.

A representative of the Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communications Unit confirmed that the incident is under investigation, but no arrests have yet been reported.

The Ministry reaffirmed that violence of any kind against students, educators, or the public will be met with swift and appropriate action.

Minister Manickchand has urged citizens to channel their emotions into unity and action that protects the nation’s most vulnerable.

“Our people, our children deserve nothing less,” she said.