BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MINISTER of Education the Hon. Shawn K. Richards has responded to a disturbing video that surfaced last week, featuring two students of the Washington Archibald High School (WAHS), one of whom was being brutalised by the other.
The video is only six seconds long but shows a male Third Former beating a female Fifth Former.
In a press release, Minister Richards is quoted as indicating that the Ministry of Education maintains zero tolerance for violence in schools.
“Violence in our schools will not be tolerated and those who engage in or incite violence among our students will be held accountable, especially the aggressors.”
The release does not speak specifically to circumstances surrounding the event or what penalties, if any, would have been dealt to the involved parties.
The communiqué declared that the goal of the Ministry is to “empower all students to become a part of the solution and to end violence in our schools”. And in that regard, “the Ministry of Education is working assiduously to ensure safe violence-free schools for its students and staff members.
“Programmes such as Project Purple, Child Friendly Schools (CFS) and TAPS are just a few of the initiatives that have helped to keep violence in the Federation's schools at a minimum.”
He noted that there is need for dialogue amongst members of the community about conflict resolution.
And he, according to the release, has some concerns about items of a negative nature reaching the media when good goings-on are taking place.
“Min. Richards cautions that when negative things are happening in our schools, too often the media is used to tell it all, as opposed to highlighting the good things. He also reminds us that there is so much good to be told about our youths.
“He encourages young people to utilize the media responsibly by showcasing their positive stories thereby erasing the negative stereotypes that threaten to consume their generation.”
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