Determined to improve student outcomes at the island’s schools, the authorities have embarked on training for the educators. The intention is to facilitate a higher quality of teaching. Sharika Griffith reports.

Some parents of students at Alexandra School remain concerned about the rising level of crime among the youth. This after police reports confirm a stabbing incident at the Speightstown, St. Peter School premises. Tonya Mangal, who was collecting her son, says searches should be conducted at every gate to enter schools, and communication should have been sent to parents about this particular incident. Meanwhile, Byron Gibson says he is uncertain that any school can provide an adequate level of security with the vast numbers. He says he was informed of the situation via social media, but he believes that the first concern is to the injured student. A release from the Ministry of Education states the injured party was taken for medical attention after the school was closed at 2 p.m. to allow for a complete investigation. The Ministry says it will continue to monitor the students’ progress, and provide the necessary support to students, teachers and staff of the Alexandra School.

As the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment continues to facilitate programmes to benefit the nation’s youth Minister Charles Griffith is calling on all to assist in building them up. He says recently the country has been forced to look at situations relating to the youth, crime and gun violence The Minister was speaking during the launch of this year’s National Youth Week, under the theme ‘Achieving Excellence, Inspiring Youth’. However, Mr. Griffith says it cannot be a situation where only his Ministry and Government are responsible for the well-being of the young people. He says there is a basket of programmes available at the Ministry, and urges all to call in and mentor the youth where applicable.