SEPoS teachers on go-slow

The teachers decided to take this action hoping that police presence near the school could be heightened.

The teachers began calling in sick on Wednesday and yesterday, only a handful attended classes. Newsday was told if the police presence increases, classes would resume as normal next Monday. On Tuesday, a 14-yearold Form Three student was making her way to school and being late, decided to take a short-cut to reach the school faster. This proved a bad decision as she was accosted by a group of men who robbed her of a cell phone and money. While they were robbing her, the men threatened to rape the schoolgirl who was fondled by her attackers. A passer-by who saw what was happening, raised an alarm causing the men to flee.

The weeping child was accompanied to the school where a report was made to teachers.

School sources said a police presence initiated some time ago in and around the school have dwindled. Only last week, another student was robbed near the school.

Officials of the TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) yesterday said they were aware of the actions of the SE PoS teachers adding that similar action was taken two years ago when teachers felt their personal safety was compromised.

As a result, Port-of-Spain police began to conduct patrols around the school and a mobile patrol unit was in place every morning before classes and in the afternoon when classes ended.

Ministry of Education officials yesterday met with police to have in increased presence at the school to ensure the students and teachers’ safety.

Contacted for comment, a senior police source promised that patrols will be increased in the area.