Ministry condemns assault involving students

The Ministry of Education has condemned a violent incident in Montrose involving students assaulting a boy in the street, as videos of the attack continued circulating widely on social media.

In a media release issued following the incident yesterday, the Ministry expressed deep concern over both the altercation itself and the sharing of videos and images online.

The Ministry said schools are intended to be safe spaces for learning, growth, respect, and personal development, adding that behaviour which threatens the safety, dignity, and well-being of students and staff undermines the values the education system seeks to instill.

It said such behaviour cannot be condoned.

The Ministry also assured the public that all appropriate mechanisms and interventions are being engaged in response to the matter.

According to the release, the Ministry is collaborating with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, school supervisors, administrators, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the circumstances surrounding the incident are fully addressed and support is provided to those affected.

The Ministry said it will continue using available measures to address student behaviour and school safety issues, including the S.A.F.E, Stakeholder Alliance for Education Enhancement, initiative, counselling and psychosocial support services, behavioural interventions, and parental engagement programmes.

The release also reminded parents and guardians that creating safe and supportive environments for children is a shared responsibility involving schools, families, and communities.

The Ministry said it remains committed to ensuring schools continue to be environments where every student can learn and thrive in safety and dignity.