By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE Ministry of Education may have to put a measure in place that does not allow parents unto schools’ compounds when they are dropping off their children to school.
This suggestion comes from Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly following the shooting incident that occurred at the Cumaca RC Primary School on Monday.
Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, she said the incident in which a parent was shot while dropping off his son to school just after 8 am was “extremely regrettable.”
According to police reports, the parent after being shot, ran into the school’s compound past the guard.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly said, “It was a time well planned to get at the person that they were targeting.”
While parents looked forward to walking their children to class, she said, “We may have to put measures now and this school is instituting it where their parents are dropping a child at the gate and they are not allowed to come into the school because we want to ensure that the environment of the school remains as safe as possible for the students.”
The minister was answering questions asked by Opposition Senator Wade Mark who enquired about the ministry’s safety strategies in light of more frequent shootings near to schools.
Dr Gadsby-Dolly said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) were on site at the primary school on Monday immediately following the shooting and were currently investigating the circumstances of the shooting.
Officials of the Ministry’s Student Support Services visited the school, although classes were dismissed early and engaged with those who were at the compound at the time.
Officials of the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) were also alerted to do the same, Dr Gadsby-Dolly said.
She said, “As of this morning, there are 83 out of the 195 students present, six out of seven teachers, there are four guidance officers and three school social workers at the school presently debriefing those that are there at this time.”
The minister added that two police officers also visited the school on Tuesday morning “to ensure that all was well at the school.”
Full strength of security at all schools
Dr Gadsby-Dolly replied that in addition to having high fencing and security guards at every school, the ministry was working with security companies to ensure maximum strength at facilities.
She also said, “There are some schools over the years that based on the circumstances, we have had to increase the number of security guards at the school when we feel as if that particular school need that particular level of attention and care.”
