Nassau, Bahamas – The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology regretfully informs that two male students attending the Extended Learning Programme at the R. M. Bailey Senior High School were involved in an altercation on Friday, 6th July, 2012 at 10:00 am on the school’s campus.
The incident resulted in one being stabbed and hospitalised for his injuries. The alleged perpetrator is in police custody and an investigation has been launched into the matter. The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, The Honourable Jerome Fitzgerald stated that he is saddened to know that two students who were already in an intervention programme to address their educational deficiencies should become involved in such a serious and life-altering event.
Minister Fitzgerald further stated that such violence confirms the necessity for the return of school policing to school campuses. He noted that the Government believes that school policing is necessary to protect law-abiding school personnel and students as they focus on education. Additionally, police presence on school grounds would also discourage impulsive and reckless behaviour by students and outsiders who seek to disrupt the harmonious environment of the school campus.
Going forward, the Ministry will also introduce counselling for students enrolled in summer school who have behavioural issues. There is already police on some school campuses hosting camps during the summer months . The Ministry will seek to have the influence of the police extended to include its summer programmes.
