Opposition Spokesman on Education Damion Crawford
By Clinton McGregor
Amid the surge in violence in schools, the parliamentary opposition has called for the government to prioritise the safety and well-being of students and teachers in the country's educational institutions.
In an open letter sent to Education Minister Fayval Williams, Opposition Spokesman on Education Damion Crawford warned that the escalating violence in schools is of grave concern to the public, parents, teachers and students.
According to Mr. Crawford, despite repeated calls for action and numerous recommendations put forward by the opposition, there has been a distressing lack of effective response from the government.
He said the existing crisis poses a great risk to the safety of children attending schools.
Mr. Crawford submitted a number of recommendations to help stem the violence.
He has recommended that the Ministry of Education adopt a zero-tolerance approach to violence in schools and promote positive behaviour.
He also suggested that the police force be engaged to implement after-school mobile patrols in school areas; that the ministry provide comprehensive training for educators in behaviour modification and intervention strategies; and increase the number of deans of discipline and guidance counsellors to improve student support services.
In addition, Mr. Crawford recommended that the Education Ministry revise detention practices to focus on long-term intervention and offer special summer programmes for students prone to violence.
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