By Sue-Ann Wayow

A REVIEW of the security protocols at the Santa Rosa Government Primary School is being conducted by the Ministry of Education following reports of an intruder posing as a substitute teacher.

Earlier this month, it was reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) that an unidentified man was seen traversing multiple areas of the school building.

The principal and staff responded promptly, acting in accordance with established safety procedures and alerting the relevant authorities, the ministry stated on Tuesday.

Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath was asked by AZP News about the report that was being shared on social media.

In a release, the ministry stated the TTPS was investigating the matter.

“The Ministry of Education is cooperating fully with law enforcement and other key stakeholders to support the ongoing investigation. In the interim, and as a precautionary measure, the ministry has initiated a review of the school’s existing security protocols. This step is part of our continued commitment to ensuring the safe

ty and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors across the national school system,” the release stated.

The ministry also reminded all school administrators and security personnel to remain vigilant and to ensure that all safety protocols were enforced consistently.

Dr Dowlath said, “Every child deserves a safe space to learn – free from fear or disruption. The ministry will continue working with all stakeholders to safeguard that right.”

The social media post claims that the man entered the school premises before classes began. He approached a classroom, falsely identifying himself as a substitute teacher and claimed he had been sent to replace classroom furniture. He requested volunteers to assist him in which several unsuspecting children eagerly offered to help.

The man then led the children to the store room, claiming the furniture was inside. Upon entering, he locked the door, trapping the pupils inside. He then allegedly solicited sexual acts from the children, offering money in exchange.

The terrified pupils began to scream for help.

Hearing the commotion, pupils outside the store room tried unsuccessfully to open the door. A teacher who had arrived early was alerted by the noise and rushed to intervene. She immediately called for an MTS officer, alerted that police were en route, and attempted to document the situation.

The suspect then forced the door open, assaulted the teacher by pushing her to the ground, and escaped the compound by scaling a fence.