Administrators urged to increase vigilance to prevent weapons in schools

By Prince Moore    

 

Education Minister Fayval Williams is calling for school administrators to increase vigilance to prevent students from bringing weapons into schools.

 

Her comment comes amid reports of two violent incidents among students involving knives.

 

The education minister says these acts of violence among students are unacceptable and concerning.

 

She says more should be done to prevent weapons entering schools. 

 

"We know that our schools do schoolbag searches to prevent knives, guns, and other harmful weapons from entering the school compound. We ask our principals and the safety and security teams to increase the vigilance, broaden the scope of the searches, including unannounced schoolbag searches during school hours," she urged.

 

The minister also encouraged students who may be going through challenges to seek help.  

 

"Many of our students struggle to manage strong emotions like anger or frustration due to undeveloped emotional regulation skills, and therefore may resort to aggression. So students, I implore you to access any or all of the support available at your schools." 

 

Mrs. Williams said she is aware of an altercation between a student and a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. The incident was captured on video which has been widely shared on social media.

 

The education minister wants students to comply with lawful orders given by the police. 

 

"Do not resist or argue on the scene. This will minimise misunderstandings and reduce the potential for escalation. If you feel your rights are violated, again, do not argue on the scene. Instead, document what happened immediately after and seek legal counsel to address it formally. I call on all Jamaicans to do their part in eliminating violence among our students," she advised.