School releases video of student who died after swallowing thumbtack in Guyana

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – A private primary school in Guyana on Friday released a video in an attempt to dispel suggestions that one of its teachers had failed to offer assistance to a six-year-old student who died after swallowing a thumbtack in class.

Family members had claimed that the life of Mekhi Rodrigues could have been saved had his teacher at the private primary school in the village of Crane on the West Coast of Demerara paid attention to his cry for help.

The incident took place on October 29 and the family claimed he was reportedly directed back to his seat. He later returned to the class teacher with his water bottle in hand and shaking, but was again directed to return to his seat.

Family members said it wasn't until the boy was noticed struggling to breathe and shaking in his seat that the class teacher took notice of him. He became unconscious and was rushed to the West Demerara Hospital, where he died as doctors tried to revive him.

It was later revealed that he had swallowed a thumbtack and it might have blocked his airway in addition to causing additional damage internally.

However, according to the video recording of the incident provided by the school, the teacher could be seen offering help to the young boy once he went to her with the complaint. The teacher is also seen leaving her desk and offering help before seeking the help of other teachers and rushing the child to the hospital.

The matter is under investigation and the Ministry of Education is reportedly aware of the incident.

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