Police were forced to clear dozens of students who were drinking and smoking at the Mackenzie bus park and market area following the final Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination on Tuesday, prompting the Region Ten Department of Education to announce stricter enforcement measures.
Regional Education Officer La Shanna Anderson said the department, working with the Guyana Police Force, moved to clear the area after receiving reports that students had begun gathering there, a practice that has become common after examinations.
Anderson said education officials initially went to the location expecting to disperse students, but found that a party dubbed the "Last Day of School Party" had been organised in the market area. Students were seen consuming alcohol and smoking while wearing what appeared to be custom-made school uniforms, she said.
"Students were there, many of them clad in what appeared to be custom-made school uniforms... there was imbibing, there was smoking, and students were engaged in activities that were strictly prohibited," Anderson said.
She said repeated efforts to remove students from the area proved difficult, prompting police intervention. Some students were transported from the location by school buses and police vehicles, while parents were required to collect others from the police station.
Anderson said students represent their families and schools when wearing their uniforms. "Once you are attired in your school's uniform, you are representing your families, your school, the Department of Education, and by extension, the Ministry of Education," she said.
She announced that, effective immediately, students found in the Mackenzie market area without a market pass will face disciplinary action, and urged parents, vendors and community members to report incidents involving students.
Anderson acknowledged the operation was difficult but said the department remains committed to student safety and discipline across the region.