Attorney: Let students write exams from jail

There were no morning shift classes, and low student attendance in the afternoon at Belmont Junior Secondary School yesterday. This after the Education Ministry beefed up security to nine officers, including two police officers and soldiers in the aftermath of fighting among students last Tuesday and Thursday.

Communications officer with the Ministry, Hilton Braveboy, told Newsday the presence of the police and soldiers was “temporary” until four more Maintenance, Training and Security officers are assigned next week. In a media release, the Education Ministry said the officers facilitated the conduct of classes in the afternoon session. It expected full attendance of teachers and students on Monday. Construction of the wall at the back of the school will also continue. Building material will be dropped off at the school today.

Teachers have been boycotting classes since Tuesday, after a policeman and a member of staff were injured when they tried to quell a brawl involving students. The teachers demanded four more guards at the school, saying two were inadequate. Eight Belmont Junior Sec students were subsequently suspended. The school closed early on Thursday because of a fight among morning-shift students. Senior Counsel Israel Khan is advising that schoolchildren who commit serious crimes should be allowed to “write their exams from behind bars.” He made this suggestion last Monday at a panel discussion “Crime and Parenting” at the Princes Town Regional Corporation.

During his presentation, Khan made it clear that writing exams from prison must only be for those students who committed serious offences such as wounding, drug trafficking etc. He said those charged must be given a fair trial, but if found guilty they should hear “the clanging of the prison doors behind them.” Khan said that those youths who are rehabilitated could get a Presidential pardon. The TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) yesterday agreed “in principle” with the Ministry’s plan for schools. However, president of the association, Trevor Oliver, said the union has to meet with the Ministry to discuss its impact. 

The Education Ministry’s latest action plan to deal with violence and indiscipline in schools is expected to be implemented in two months. One aspect of the $35 million plan is the introduction of school wardens to devise security measures and a system of monitoring in and around schools. Oliver appealed for public support for the Ministry’s initiatives, saying a “participatory” approach, not panic, is needed. “Too often, parents and members of the community look for quick fix solutions.”

While some members of the public have called for the reintroduction of corporal punishment, Oliver did not agree. “Our major focus must not be corporal punishment. Children must be interested in school and taught the value of education. Principals must manage in a way that students have a voice.” He also said teacher training and the curriculum were areas to receive attention. The Education Minister has linked the upsurge in school violence to Carnival, but the TTUTA president said societal problems impacted on schools. “We have children coming to school who have witnessed murders, run away from shootings. They live in an environment where life is cheap, that is ingrained in their psyche.”