Security threats force evacuation at multiple schools
Published:Friday | November 10, 2023 | 12:11 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
A HOAX involving security threats through explosives emerged in several secondary schools across the island on Thursday, leading to the disruption of classes and the evacuation of students and staff.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey revealed that an email was circulated that indicated the presence of explosives in these schools.
Principals, taking the threat seriously, promptly initiated safety protocols and sent students home as a precautionary measure.
Principal of Greater Portmore High School in St Catherine, Ricardo Ross, admitted to receiving an email alluding to an explosive device.
Ross stated: “To create a safe environment, we reached out to the Police High Command and were advised to vacate and provide the opportunity for the necessary team to do due diligence.”
Ross described the situation as traumatic, especially coming out of last week’s earthquake, where students and teachers were shaken up.
Classes are expected to resume today.
The security threat also affected Denbigh High School in Clarendon, where Acting Principal Jeffrey Douglas revealed that an email received at 6 a.m. later prompted the evacuation of the entire premises on police advice.
Senior Superintendent of Police Christopher Phillips, commander for the St Catherine South Police, commended the administrators at Greater Portmore High School for their rapid response, emphasising the smooth coordination with law enforcement.
“It was rapid coordination with all teams that have the expertise. It was a smooth transition. The principal was able to galvanise the students together very quickly,” Phillips told reporters.
He added: “We are living in serious times, and things like this, we can’t take it for granted. We have to respond, and respond effectively, and we must strengthen our capacity to deal with these threats.”
Several other schools, including Old Harbour High in St Catherine, Lennon High in Clarendon, and William Knibb Memorial High in Trelawny, were also impacted, with principals suspending classes and evacuating the premises.
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) expressed deep concern, urging school administrators to take such threats seriously and promptly report them to the police. The association emphasised vigilance to ensure harmony of teaching and learning.
Minister of Education Fayval Williams reassured the public that the ministry was closely monitoring the situation, emphasising the paramount importance of the security and safety of students, teachers, and staff. The minister promised further updates, but up to press time, none was forthcoming.