Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams promised greater emphasis on strengthening school safety and security measures this school year.

In an address to media members during a visit to the Windward Road Primary School in Kingston on September 4, 2023, for the start of the 2023/24 school year, she outlined several measures the government plans to implement.

Among the measures is the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the entrances of primary schools. 

In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education will also increase school restorative justice sessions.

Williams said the government has targeted about 500 schools for restorative justice (RJ) practices this school year. 

“We will be rolling out more of those sessions in the new school year to help with behavioral issues and to help with conflict resolution,” Williams said.

Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams

The Minister also noted that searches would be done to ensure students are not entering school compounds with unauthorized items.

“We have deans of discipline in our schools and guidance counselors to help with behavioral issues.

Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams

Police charged a 25-year-old Westmoreland man with murder.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Police in Westmoreland charged a 25-year-old male suspect with the fatal shooting of a man in the Georges Plain community. 

The police identified the suspect as Ackeim Gatchair

 of Waterlane, Georges Plain, in Westmoreland. The police charged him with the murder of Bruce Campbell.

According to the Savanna-la-Mar Police, at about 12:15 pm, on the day in question, residents heard explosions and alerted the police. Upon arrival, the police found Campbell lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.

Campbell died at the hospital while getting treatment for his injuries.

On Monday, September 4, 2023, Gatchair turned himself over to the police. 

His court date is pending.