Thirteen juvenile matters have been recorded in Region Six this year, including two cases linked to murder, Guyana Police Force Deputy Commander Superintendent Guy Nurse said, citing growing concern over young people’s involvement in serious crime.
Nurse made the disclosure while addressing the Region Six Department of Education’s Educational Symposium, held at the St. Francis Community Developers Hall in Rose Hall Town. The event, which honoured education stalwart Shafiran Bhajan, brought together educators and stakeholders to discuss challenges facing the sector.
“For the year we would’ve had 13 cases where juveniles were either placed before the court or are awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Among those are two juveniles for murder, so that’s in Region Six. As police officers, we are seeing an alarming trend where young persons are becoming involved in serious crimes at earlier ages,” Nurse said.
He said delinquent behaviour often begins with absenteeism, disrespect, bullying, vaping, alcohol use, gang association, cyber misconduct, fighting, carrying weapons and drug experimentation. Left unaddressed, he warned, such behaviour can evolve into robbery, narcotics trafficking, burglary, violence, sexual offences and murder.
Nurse said the Guyana Police Force’s Community Relations Department has been working with schools through outreach programmes and targeted interventions to discourage criminal behaviour and promote positive decision-making among students.
He called for stronger partnerships between schools, parents, communities and law enforcement to address the root causes of juvenile delinquency, underscoring the role educators play in guiding young people.
