Chief Education Officer Ed Caesar has expressed concern about the distribution process of the Book of Hope in public schools and may have to withdraw the permission he granted for it to be distributed.

Caesar told Stabroek News on Friday that he might have to withdraw the permission he granted to the Assemblies of God Church because of what he considered were violations based on reports he has received.

He said that when he gave permission to distribute the books in schools he did not expect that the church would have been actively involved in attempts to proselytize at the school and during school hours. He was also unaware that the children in the city had been issued with written invitations to take part in a religious activity organised by the church at the National Park.

The Book of Hope, which is designed for the nursery, primary and secondary levels, has been distributed at a number of schools in the East Berbice/Corentyne area and in the city. It has been a source of concern for a number of parents as well as religious organisations. Among those expressing concern were the Guyana Islamic Trust and the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.