The Ministry of Education and the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) appear to have differing ideas about the state of security at the island’s primary schools.
Speaking in light of recent break-ins at a number of schools, NCPTA president Rhonda Blackman called on the ministry to step up security.Two Fridays ago, around $4 000 was taken by thieves from the Learning Centre in Orange Hill, St James, while last Wednesday, three schools – St Elizabeth Primary in St Joseph and Chalky Mount Primary and DaCosta Edwards Primary in St Andrew – were broken into and cash and items stolen.
On Friday, police shot a man, one of three fleeing Gordon Walters Primary in St Patrick’s, Christ Church, after the watchman alerted the police. The crooks made off with $1 000 in cash and some equipment.
“It is clear there is a need for proper security, and since these things are happening at night, the question is: what about the watchmen?” Blackman said.
However, Chief Education Officer Laurie King said most schools had adequate security.
“Most schools have a day watchman, a night watchman and a relief watchman to ensure protection on a 24-hour basis,” he said in another telephone interview, adding the police were also always ready to respond.
Full story in the SUNDAY SUN
