School Safety: An Urgent Need Amid Acts Of Gun Violence. Frequent violent gun attacks at or near schools have fast-tracked the need for enhanced security measures to bolster school safety across Jamaica.
Within one month, two deadly shootings have unfolded at Rousseau Primary School in St Andrew and one at Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester.
The two shootings at Rousseau Primary unfolded thirty-two days apart.
On October 14, 2024, gunmen killed Gary ‘Junior’ Leslie, a parent, in a brutal attack on the school compound.
And on Friday, November 14, 2024, at about 8:30 a.m., another deadly shooting occurred at the school’s main entrance. This time, thirty-six-year-old taxi operator Deshawn Newry was the target.
According to reports, Newry was dropping off a child at the school’s main gate when the gunman struck. Officials at the school had to suspend classes.
Both incidents occurred during school hours, leaving students and staff traumatized.
Parents of students at Rousseau Primary have expressed deep concerns for their children’s safety.
One parent told the media that she thinks the authorities should set up a police post at the school to bolster school safety. She said the unarmed security guards were not enough to deter the gunmen.
Further, the parent mentioned that her daughter, who was there during both incidents, was left terrified.
In Manchester, tragedy also struck Holmwood Technical High School Friday morning. A gunman fatally shot school bus driver Rohan ‘Scrooge’ Gentles. ‘Scrooge’ was waiting to transport the school’s under-sixteen and 14 football teams to a match.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 8:00 a.m. The authorities suspended classes at the school.
Stakeholders called for enhanced measures to improve school safety
Friday’s tragic gun attacks at two schools have prompted outrage and calls for improved school safety from all concerned.
In a release on Friday, Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said the following:
“The ministry unequivocally condemns acts of crime and violence in all its forms, particularly those that threaten the safety and security of our students and the school environment. Schools must remain safe havens for learning, development, and growth, free from the shadow of violence,” Dixon said.
Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon
Meanwhile, the opposition spokesperson for education, Senator Damion Crawford, urged the government to create ‘Safe spaces’ around critical institutions like schools, hospitals, and transport hubs
“These horrifying incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard our educational environments,” Crawford said in a media release on Friday.
Senator Damion Crawford
He proposed implementing scheduled police patrols and introducing harsher penalties for crimes committed within a 400-meter radius of designated ‘Safe Spaces’.
Crawford also called for the swift apprehension of perpetrators.
Further, Crawford said:
“The Government must take immediate and comprehensive action to protect our children and school staff from such violent crimes,” he stated.
Senator Damion Crawford
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