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Webster Thompson, Vice-Principal of William Knibb Memorial High School, ACP Charmaine Shand, and Education Minister Fayval Williams
The William Knibb Memorial High School student implicated in the fatal stabbing of his schoolmate on Monday has been charged with murder.
He was charged on Tuesday by the Falmouth Police.
The teenager is scheduled to appear in the Trelawny Parish Court on Friday.
Sixteen year-old Khamal Hall, who was the goal keeper for William Knibb's Dacosta Cup football team, was stabbed with a knife during a dispute over a ring.
Guard Ring
Following Monday's tragedy, the administration of William Knibb High has embarked on a drive stop the practice of students wearing so-called guard rings.
The school's Vice-Principal, Webster Thompson, revealed on Tuesday that this will be part of a wider initiative to enhance what he characterised as the spiritual enrichment of students.
He explained on Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines, that this move against the wearing of the ring is based on the school's understanding of the widespread belief by some students in the benefits of wearing it as a form of protection, as well as its connection with criminal activity.
According to him, it will not be business as usual in relation to this matter.
Police
The police have also confirmed that there is an increasing link between gang activity and the use of guard rings by students.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Charmaine Shand, who heads the Community Safety & Security Branch, explained that these students have become more vulnerable since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have seen where some students have returned to school after being away for two years and are now exposed to criminal activities in their communities," she said.
She said symbols, such as rings with special inscriptions, have long been worn by gang members, "so these rings can really be associated as symbols or signs of them being involved in gangs."
Minister
Education Minister Fayval Williams has also weighed in on the problem of violence in schools, announcing that discussions will be held with the Jamaica Constabulary Force to have more police personnel monitoring institutions as part of the safe schools programme.
It was important to "get on top of this before it mushrooms right in front of our very eyes," she said.
She added that it was particularly important to be on the lookout for suspicious activities during breaks and lunchtime, in order to avert such practices taking root in the schools.
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