Cops visit schools in Eastern Educational District

ASP Hackshaw Co-ordinator of the programme said it was the first meeting by officers of the Eastern police for schools in the North Eastern Educational District. They will be visiting all other schools.

The meetings are in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Security.

The objective being to promote a non- toxic culture environment in order to enhance a crime free and safe and pleasant school setting.

A party of police officers from Eastern Division Sangre Grande headed by ASP Hackshaw, Sgt Leroy Baptiste, PCs Dexter Parson and WPC Charlene Scott visited the school equipped to hear all the problems students, teachers, and parents encounter.

The school community and stakeholders were lectured by ASP Hackshaw on; Education as the key to success, motivation, self development and values.

Sgt Leroy Baptiste gave a comprehensive talk on Peer , Family and Teacher pressure.

Judy Delpeche, Assistant Secretary, Valencia Parent Teacher Association highlighted some of the problems the school faces which include: fights in school mainly among girls, harassment of students from people in the area, late coming , unaccepted behaviour of some maxi-taxi drivers and poor presence of police visits at the school.

Some parents also spoke about single parenting , crime, violence and domestic violence, factors which contributed to students’ indiscipline. They said only if these can be addressed then can there be change in students’ behaviour.

The parent body appealed to the police to have police patrols during school hours.

ASP Hackshaw assured the parents that policy will be put in place to address the problems, so that students can enhance an education which is free from some of the common social problems.

This is the only way out, all must come on board if values, discipline and success are to be achieved.

Present at the meeting were: Dr Jassadora Vijay Maharaj, Vice Principal, Renee Aberdeen, Judy Delpeche Agatha, Mon Lewis, Annette Remy executive members PTA and Kevin Cummings, Dean Valencia High School.