Disturbing incidents involving students of deep concern to Ministry of Education and Youth

The Ministry of Education and Youth is expressing grave concern over three recent and highly disturbing incidents involving students, which have surfaced across various social media platforms.

The incidents include violence among students and an altercation between law enforcement and a student, all of which have sparked national concern.

INCIDENT 1: A 16-year-old Porus High School student has been hospitalised after being stabbed by a fellow student during an altercation on the school grounds on Wednesday afternoon.

INCIDENT 2: The Falmouth police are currently searching for a cotton candy vendor who allegedly slashed two male Holland High School students with a knife following an altercation. The vendor fled the scene before the police arrived.

INCIDENT 3: A disturbing video circulating online shows a male student being assaulted by police officers at a bus stop on Constant Spring Road in St Andrew. The footage reveals a school principal present during the incident, as the student's 'Sprayground' school bag was being searched.

“These acts of violence involving our students are unacceptable and underscore the urgent need to address safety and conflict resolution in our schools and surrounding environments,” Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, said.

“Every child deserves a safe space to learn, grow, and thrive without fear of harm. I am urging all students to seek peaceful means to resolve disputes and encouraging the public to step forward with information that can assist law enforcement in resolving these matters.”

The ministry said it is actively working with school authorities and law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and the swift resolution of these cases.

School administrators and teachers are being urged to redouble efforts in identifying and addressing potential threats within their school communities.

Minister Williams also stressed the importance of school personnel taking a more vigilant approach to security protocols.

“We must remain vigilant when it comes to the searches of students, especially on school grounds. I am calling on all school principals to ensure that these searches are carried out in a manner that is both thorough and respectful. We cannot afford any lapses that could compromise the safety of our students and staff,” she said.

“The Ministry of Education and Youth remains committed to promoting a safe and secure educational environment for all students. As part of ongoing efforts, the ministry will be strengthening partnerships with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), social workers, and the broader community to address the underlying issues of violence and student safety.”

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.