Ministry moves to tackle pigeon infestation at BV, Annandale and Golden Grove schools 

The Ministry of Education has stepped up efforts to permanently resolve a persistent pigeon infestation affecting several schools along the East Coast of Demerara, engaging a professional contractor that specialises in pigeon control, mitigation, and proofing.

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, made the announcement on Saturday during site visits to some of the affected schools, starting with Beterverwagting Primary, where comprehensive cleaning and preventive works are now underway.

The school will be pressure-washed and outfitted with a special galvanised mesh designed to block the birds from entering. In addition, a gel treatment will be applied to the roof to deter pigeons from roosting or lingering in the area.

“Previously, I had said that we wanted children to be in school on Monday,” Minister Parag said. “However, given the recurring nature of the problem—particularly in communities near Pigeon Island—a more stringent approach is being taken.”

Following consultations with the school’s administration and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), it was agreed that Grade Six pupils will return to school on Monday, while other students will continue learning from home using worksheets until the situation is fully under control.

Minister Parag emphasised that every effort is being made to keep the disruption to classes as short as possible.

“For this particular issue, given that it’s several schools, we are looking at what we can do long-term, as a government and as the Ministry of Education,” she said.

The Education Minister has also directed that the upcoming Christmas break be used to deep-clean all affected schools, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for both students and teachers when the new term begins.

During the visit, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) joined the Minister and pointed out that community behaviour is also contributing to the issue.

Ms. Michel Swanston Nurse, Head of the EPA’s Technical Services Department (Air, Noise and Radiation), explained that residents feeding pigeons near schools are unintentionally worsening the problem.

“While it may seem kind to feed them, it results in droppings from these birds in excessive amounts,” she said, warning that uncontrolled pigeon populations can quickly become a public health concern.

The EPA will now work with the Guyana Wildlife Management and Conservation Commission to raise awareness in communities prone to pigeon infestations, encouraging more responsible practices.

Minister Parag expressed optimism that the combined efforts will bring lasting relief without harming the birds.

“This is a problem that will not go away overnight, but it will go away—hopefully within a short space of time—and over time it will continue to reduce,” she said.

The Education Minister also visited Annandale and Golden Grove Secondary Schools, which face similar challenges. She assured that the Ministry will continue to engage local authorities, school heads, and regional officials to coordinate upgrades and ensure safe, clean learning environments across the country.

Minister Parag was accompanied by Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Administration) Tiffany Harvey, Regional Chairman Clemsford Belgrave, Regional Education Officer Kean Adams, District Education Officer Caroline Daniels, Head Teacher Givel Austin, and PTA Representative Alvin McCurdy of the Beterverwagting Primary School.