By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Education is investigating allegations of harassment against a pupil by a member of staff at a secondary school.
In a media release on Tuesday, the ministry stated that regarding the alleged misconduct by a staff member at the Siparia West Secondary School, the matter was being addressed, according to established protocols, by the School Supervision and Management Division (SSMD), and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
“The procedures and protocols for investigating matters of this nature are very specific, in the interest of protecting students,” the release stated.
The investigation into the allegations of harassment were initiated on September 20 when a report was made on the matter of alleged inappropriate behaviour.
A report was then made to the Community Police, and the pupil, along with SSMD personnel, met with the school’s principal.
The child’s parents were asked to come into the school, and on September 28, the staff member in question met with the principal, vice- principal and subsequently, on October 7, with officers from the Child Protection Unit (CPU), along with the student, parent and SSSD personnel.
The ministry stated, “In matters of a sensitive nature such as this one, the Ministry of Education must follow all the protocols and procedures. The relevant reports from the Principal and School Supervisor have been received and are being treated with urgency.”
And with respect to the report of gangs operating at Siparia West Secondary, the principal, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association TTUTA representative and School Supervisor have all, in writing, denied knowledge of gang activity at the school.
