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Ministry orders probe after teacher pulls firearm in altercation with student

The Education Ministry has ordered the board of William Knibb Memorial High school in Trelawny to thoroughly investigate the circumstances which led to a teacher at the institution allegedly pulling his licensed firearm at a student.

A source told RJR News that the incident happened about two weeks ago in full view of students and teachers at the institution.

It is alleged that a male teacher and a student got into an altercation on the school grounds, which led to the teacher pulling his licensed firearm.

RJR News understands that during the squabble, the male student allegedly took up a stone to throw at the teacher.

The matter has since been reported to the school board for investigation.

When RJR News contacted Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid, he said he was aware of the matter and described it as very unfortunate.

Asked about the Education Ministry's policy regarding teachers carrying their firearms to school, the minister said, "Based on our guidelines for safety and security, firearm on campus is not allowed."

"It is further not allowed in these particular matters where there are incidents... that occur on the school compound and then you resort to pulling the firearm - That is not allowed," he reiterated.

Senator Reid said the teacher reported that he felt threatened and so decided to pull his firearm.

The education minister disclosed that the ministry will now be sending out reminders to all schools about the policy surrounding firearms on school campuses.

Meanwhile, when contacted Wednesday afternoon, Reverend Everton Jackson, Chairman of William Knibb Memorial High, revealed that the teacher has been suspended.

He confirmed that the incident took place two weeks ago during a reported altercation involving the teacher, who is a licensed firearm holder, and a male student.

"The matter has been reported to the board, the board convened an emergency meeting (and) instructed the personnel committee to examine the incident," he told RJR News

He said the teacher was suspended to facilitate the hearing into the incident.



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