A wave of violent incidents in and around Jamaican schools has ignited widespread concern, prompting calls from lawmakers for immediate action to protect students, teachers, and the school community. Opposition Education spokesperson Damion Crawford has voiced alarm over what he described as an “unacceptable surge” in violence that places the nation’s educational institutions at risk.
In a recent statement, Crawford referenced a disturbing robbery at gunpoint on Thursday at a Kingston preparatory school. Armed criminals confronted young children, aged six to twelve, creating a terrifying ordeal for students and staff. Although there were no physical injuries, the psychological toll on the children is undeniable.
“The trauma inflicted on our children in these situations cannot be ignored,” said Crawford. “No child should ever be forced to experience such violence, no matter the circumstances.”
The troubling trend continued on Friday, with two more violent incidents reported. In Manchester, a bus driver was tragically murdered outside Holmwood Technical High School. Meanwhile, in St. Andrew, a parent was shot and killed near Rousseau Primary School. Shockingly, this marks the second murder at the school in just a month.
“These incidents paint a grim picture of the growing danger faced by our children and educators,” Crawford remarked. “What’s even more concerning is that these events are becoming more frequent, and it seems no school is immune from this violence.”
In response, Crawford is advocating for a comprehensive security overhaul to ensure the safety of children and staff in all schools. His proposal includes the creation of “Safe Zones” around critical locations like schools, where police patrols would become a mandatory presence, especially during high-traffic hours. Additionally, Crawford has called for stricter laws to impose harsher penalties for crimes committed near these protected zones.
“These Safe Zones would send a clear message that our schools and other vital public spaces will no longer be easy targets for criminal activity,” Crawford stated. “We must protect our children and ensure that violence does not take root in places of learning.”
The Opposition spokesperson also emphasized the need to extend security measures beyond students to include teachers and other school personnel, ensuring that schools remain conducive to education, rather than fear.
“We cannot continue to watch as our educational institutions become battlegrounds for criminals,” he continued. “Teachers and students alike deserve an environment where they can focus on learning, not fearing for their lives.”
Crawford concluded by calling on the Government to act swiftly to address these safety concerns. He stressed that the Opposition is ready to work alongside the Government, but immediate action is necessary to stem the tide of violence and restore safety to the nation’s schools.
