BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ACTING PRIME MINISTER and Minister of Education Dr. Geoffrey Hanley has strongly condemned yesterday’s (Feb. 14) shooting incident at the Irish Town Primary School that left a 51-year-old security guard dead and students traumatized.
According to reports, the shooting occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. on the premises of the learning institution while students were in the vicinity, striking and killing Lime Kiln resident Dahlia Hanley.
In a strongly worded message today, the Education Minister reminded that schools should be a safe space for all to operate, pointing out that “the Ministry of Education views this violent act as a direct attack on the education fraternity and the wider school community”.
Hanley described the incident as a “shocking, senseless act” which showed that there is a continued disregard for human lives resulting in the death of the security officer.
“I am appalled at the callous disregard for human life, and condemn all acts of violence,” Dr. Hanley said in his address.
Over the last several weeks, the instances of homicides have become more brazen and Hanley is urging all to give their support and cooperation to the police as they work to solve these crimes.
There was a shooting incident in Bird Rock where a male was killed and stuffed into the trunk of his vehicle, while earlier this month another male was shot in open space while ordering food within an eatery.
Since December, the Federation has been on edge following instances of homicides after enjoying a relative period of quietude.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who is also the Minister of National Security, is currently attending the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Nassau, Bahamas.
He has held discussions with the apparatus of the National Security agencies to craft a strategy to combat the problem.
No official word has yet been made on the strategies that will be employed to deal with the current problem, and the way forward for the Federation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hanley confirmed that classes at the school have been suspended for the remainder of the week as students and teachers recover from the trauma.
“Citizens and residents, it is imperative that the family, students and staff are given the opportunity to grieve with little to no intrusion and I ask that you respect their privacy. Today, in my capacity as Acting Prime Minister, I am urging all of you to give your support to and cooperation to the police as they work diligently to solve these crimes. The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, who is currently on duty overseas, wishes to convey his sincerest condolences to the family, staff and students of the Irishtown Primary School.,” Dr. Hanley said.
