THE Region Two Department of Education was this week lauded for its “shake down” initiative which unearthed an ice-pick in a student’s possession at a well-known school on the Essequibo Coast.

According to the unit, “Operation Shakedown” was conducted at the school by the School’s Welfare Division with support from the Guyana Police Force “G” Division.

The education department reminded parents to check their children’s bags to ensure that they are aware of what they are taking to school.

Following the exercise, parents and members of the public reacted positively to the exercise. One of the comments posted on the department’s social media page is that similar exercises should be conducted at schools in the capital city.

“Check all the schools,” someone noted. “The ministry should also set up a database so that each school would mark the registers online so parents can check to see if their child is in school or not,” a member of the public suggested.