High school student threatens to kill his teacher if he doesn't get a good grade

A new violent incident has marked the Raymond-Tarcy high school in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. A CAP high school student allegedly threatened a teacher to shoot him in the head if he was not given a good grade. According to SE-UNSA Guyana, which published a press release in the evening, the student allegedly mimed the scene in class in front of his classmates, repeating his threatening words three times.

The Raymond-Tarcy high school, deprived of direction due to the absence of the principal and his deputy, finds itself in the middle of a crisis. The teacher concerned filed a complaint and the student was placed under precautionary measure, pending his disciplinary council. This case, which once again illustrates the rise in violence in schools, deeply shocked the teaching team and the students present in class at the time of the events.

In its press release, SE-UNSA Guyana denounces an “extremely serious event”, recalling that it is part of a general climate of repeated violence. Emmanuel Octavie, secretary general of SE-UNSA Guyana, alerts:

It wasn't a joke. The teacher, but also the students, were deeply shocked by this threat. We must act quickly to ensure that such acts do not happen again.

Over the past two years, SE-UNSA has reported at least five serious incidents at this establishment, including death threats, widespread fights, and even arson. For Emmanuel Octavie, this context is symptomatic of broader social violence:

When society becomes violent, youth reproduce this violence. Students are often the mirror of what they experience at home.

Four main demands

SE-UNSA Guyana demands a firm and immediate response to this act. The union makes four clear demands:

1. Exemplary sanctions for the student involved.
2. Strengthened protection for educational staff, including an increased presence of mediators and, if necessary, law enforcement.
3. Psychological support for the teacher concerned, the students and their families.
4. Implementation of a comprehensive prevention plan against violence in schools.

In response, several teachers from Raymond-Tarcy high school plan to meet this Thursday, January 16 to discuss the actions to be taken and raise awareness among local authorities and the population of the seriousness of the situation. Furthermore, today a meeting is planned between the SE-UNSA and a representative of the sub-prefecture of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni to reaffirm the urgency of a global security plan.

Emmanuel Octavie also insists on the importance of strengthening support for parenthood:

It is crucial to work with families to teach them to transmit values ​​of respect towards the school. Education is a co-responsibility.

This incident once again highlights the challenges facing educational establishments in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni. In a region marked by the circulation of weapons and drugs, the SE-UNSA calls on the authorities to implement the 13 proposals already formulated to improve the security of schools in Guyana.

While educational staff mobilize, the teacher concerned remains in a state of shock. The SE-UNSA reaffirms its unwavering support for this teacher and all staff faced with increasing violence.