EDUCATION Minister, Priya Manickchand has said that while the ministry’s policy on corporal punishment has not changed, the issue is currently in suspension mode since it is still being discussed at the parliamentary level.
She made these remarks while responding to a question from a media representative at a recent press conference in the boardroom of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston.
Manickchand pointed out that the National Assembly is currently looking at this issue at a tripartite level, in order to decide the best way forward, and they are also inviting members of the public, both individuals and organisations, to come forward with their views.
She said that the Ministry of Education awaits the parliamentary committee’s decision, by which they will be guided.
Meanwhile, she said, the education ministry insists that teachers and head teachers comply with their written policy, which says that while corporal punishment is allowed in schools, it is to be regulated and administered in a disciplined manner.
According to her, this includes refraining from inflicting corporal punishment in order for children to learn, or so that it can be easier for them to be taught and only specific instruments should be used to administer these blows.
Last year the ministry held countrywide consultations on corporal punishment with stakeholders, and these stakeholders had varying views on this issue.
Source: http://guyanachronicle.com/2013/07/08/policy-on-corporal-punishment-in-schools-getting-parliamentary-review-views-invited-from-individuals-and-organizations