St. Vincent and the Grenadines government says it wants to “categorically state that violence in any form should never be condoned” amid reports that an incident had occurred outside the St. Mary’s RC School in the capital earlier this week.
Police in a statement said a “person of interest is cooperating” with them and that “the students and members of staff are safe.”
The police have also refuted reports that “a man entered the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School Compound in Kingstown brandishing a firearm.”
The Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation said it wanted to “categorically state that violence in any form should never be condoned and allowed to erode the principles and foundation upon which our society stands.”
While the statement did not mention the incident at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School, it condemned the “reprehensible act that resulted in injury to the principal of the Mountain View Adventist Academy on Wednesday 18th May 2022 and the recent acts of violence, particularly against our females” saying they “are symptomatic of declining societal norms, which we are collectively responsible for upholding.
“The Ministry stands in solidarity with our school leaders, teachers, and females nationwide against such acts of cruelty, fully mindful of our role to create a more harmonious society and improve the circumstances of our people.
“To do so, however, all stakeholders must work collaboratively, understanding that mutual respect and trust are paramount to the effective execution of the teaching and learning exercise. Parents are reminded of their obligation to protect all children and ensure that they are provided with a safe and nurturing environment. “
The ministry said that it would continue to act by the provisions of the Education Act and all other relevant legislation to “safeguard the interest of all our stakeholders.”
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