By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Education cannot predict when an adverse criminal activity would happen near a school compound but assures that resources will be made available to staff and pupils if an incident occurs.
Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly gave the assurance in the Senate on Tuesday while answering questions asked by Opposition Senator Wade Mark.
Mark initially asked about what measures the ministry was undertaking to ensure the mental well-being of staff and pupils of the Munroe Road Hindu Primary School following the murder of Ronnie “Bull” Pierre who was shot and killed on Monday morning near the school.
He subsequently asked if proactive measures were being rolled by the Ministry of Education in light of the recent brazen criminal activity in school areas.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly responded, “I am not sure if the Ministry of Education is now to predict if a crime will take place close to a school because this is not the first time this has happened. On a regular basis, the school’s social workers and guidance counsellors interact with our students and would ensure that they engage them in activity that will secure their mental health.
“But when a circumstance arises which no one can predict, then we will beef up the resources to ensure that any trauma experienced by the students is taken care of by those officials.”
The minister said that a debriefing session was held with teachers at the school which was facilitated by the school’s social worker and teachers expressed their distress and anxiety.
The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) was also contacted to have follow-up group or individual sessions with teachers as needed.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly said on Tuesday, a team from Student Support Services Division (SSSD) inclusive of guidance officers and school social workers conducted whole school debriefing sessions at both the primary school and the nearby Early Childhood Care and Education centre.
“Any child presenting with distress or heightened anxiety will be supported with follow up action as necessary,” she said.
Mark further asked if a time frame was put on counselling sessions and other ministry’s measures.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly said counselling sessions would be provided on a case by case basis as required by the pupils mainly by the SSSD who provides support to pupils and parents and the EAP will be focusing on sessions with teachers.
Mark also queried the Ministry of Education’s response to teachers at the Belmont Secondary School who are concerned for their safety and security after a safety officer at the school was assaulted.
As at Monday, there has been an increased number of National Maintenance Training and Security Company Limited (MTS) personnel at the school’s compound and there was also police presence on site, Dr Gadsby-Dolly said.
“This is to facilitate greater security as the breaches in the fence are being repaired,” she said.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly added, “There is therefore no barrier to the resumption of school and teachers have been so advised.”
