The recent spike in violent incidents near schools in central Jamaica has sparked urgent concern from local education authorities. Susan Nelson-Smith, Director of Regional Education Services for Region Five, which covers St. Elizabeth and Manchester, has raised alarms about the safety of students in light of two recent shootings—one at Holmwood Technical and another near Rousseau Primary.
“It’s shocking and deeply troubling,” Nelson-Smith said, reacting to the news of the violence. “Our schools should be places of refuge for students, not locations for such traumatic events.”
The first incident occurred early Friday morning when a bus driver, preparing to take students to a football match, was fatally shot outside Holmwood Technical. Witnesses described a chilling scene as the driver was ambushed by a gunman at approximately 8:10 am. In response, the Ministry of Education swiftly activated safety protocols, dispatching personnel to ensure the well-being of the students and staff.
“Immediately after the incident, we sent our regional safety officer to the school,” Nelson-Smith explained. “We worked closely with the vice principal to ensure students were taken care of, and the school was temporarily dismissed for the safety of everyone involved.”
In the wake of the incident, guidance counselors were deployed to provide emotional support to students, many of whom were distressed after witnessing the violent event.
Just hours later, a similar tragedy unfolded outside Rousseau Primary in Kingston. A man, believed to be a parent, was fatally shot outside the school gate. The incident prompted the school to close its doors early, following concerns over student safety. This marks the second shooting at Rousseau Primary this school year, with a similar incident occurring in October.
“It’s a sad reflection of the larger social issues impacting our society today,” Nelson-Smith said. “The fact that our children are witnessing this violence within school proximity is deeply concerning.”
As violence continues to creep closer to the school environment, educators and parents alike are calling for stronger interventions to protect the safety of children. Nelson-Smith emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary support to affected students and ensuring the continued safety of schools throughout the region.
