BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC -Education Minister, Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said Monday that special counselling will be available to students of the Washington Archibald High School (WAHS), following the murder of a student that the government said has “left us all in shock and grief”.
Police said that investigations are continuing into the death of Sean John, an 18-year-old student, a national of Dominica, who was found with a gunshot wound at his College Housing home last Saturday.
As he expressed deep sadness to the staff, students, and parents of the high school, Hanley, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the life of John was tragically and senselessly taken. This act of violence has left us all in shock and grief..
“The safe zone which we seek to provide must extend to our communities and our nation. Our children must be protected whether in school or out of school.”
Hanley said the “Ministry of Education condemns all acts of violence and pledges to do everything within our power to re-establish that sense of safety and security among our children.”
Hanley has advised parents and guardians that school will reopen on Monday and “students (who) need the opportunity to grieve among their peers.
“Students needing special counsel will be provided with such at the school to assist them as they navigate this difficult time,” said Hanley, adding, “We have a collective responsibility to be agents of peace so that our federation remains a country where peace abounds”.
Police said the incident was reported between 10:30 and 11.00 pm (local time) on Saturday and that in “responding to the scene, officers observed Mr. John had sustained a gunshot injury. He was shortly thereafter pronounced deceased.
“Investigators are actively pursuing leads, and the public will be kept appropriately abreast of any developments. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is strongly encouraged to contact the nearest Police station or share details anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 707,” the police said in a statement, extending “sincere condolences to the family, friends, and school community of the deceased during this difficult time”.
and then ){kind=link}