Officials want tougher measures at school

The key speakers at last week Thursday’s consultation on violence in schools painted a disturbing picture of what the education system may become, if the trends that are creeping into the system take root.{{more}}

Some statistics given by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ekron Lockhart indicated that in 2005 there were 115 reported crimes committed by persons under the age of 16 years old. He indicated that although statistics for 2006 were not readily available, they are already seeing an increase in drug possession cases this year.

Besides drugs, Lockhart indicated that the other crimes involved include rape, wounding, damage to property, assault and theft.

Lockhart lamented that the hands of the police and courts are tied when it comes to dealing with young offenders and urged parents and the nation on a whole to do their part in becoming vigilant in the fight against crime.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Laura Browne also made an impact on the crowded Peace Memorial Hall, highlighting a number of steps that the ministry may be willing to take to curb the violence in schools.

Among the initiatives

that are in place and soon to be implemented are parenting workshops, peer counseling, and student support centres.

The Permanent Secretary hinted that the move to install metal detectors throughout educational institutions throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines is being looked into and seriously considered.

According to prominent lawyer and former Attorney General Parnel Campbell, the Education Act has sufficient power to deal with the manifestations of violence in the schools.

Campbell says he thinks that the court is too lenient on students who commit crimes, and credits the downward turn in the education system to the prosecution of Myrtle Jack, a school teacher who was dragged before the court for flogging a student.

Campbell said that although the figures are low, the situation in schools could only get worse. He fears that school shootings that take place internationally, may manifest themselves here if something is not done.

Chief Education Officer Susan Dougan in her address, declared that there is a complete breakdown of discipline in schools, and that there is the absolute need for school leaders to manage schools in accordance with the changing clientele.

She stated that school management is no longer business as usual, and the country must appreciate the need for civilized behaviour, if we are to move towards a civilized society.