Criminals Who Endanger the Lives of Students Will Be Dealt with Forcefully – Minister Chang

Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, says situations where students are in the crossfire of those who are intent on engaging in criminal activities, will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with forcefully.

Dr Chang, who was part of a Ministerial team, which included Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, that visited Grange Hill High School in Westmoreland on May 3, was responding to the slaying of a 16-year-old teenage boy as he walked home from sports day activities.

A 15-year-old female companion was also shot and injured during the attack.

The Minister, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, told JIS News that the National Security team’s visit was to reassure school administrators, students, and all law-abiding residents that there is a zero-tolerance approach to criminal behaviour and that every effort will be utilised until the perpetrator is brought to justice.

“We are going to pursue the perpetrator relentlessly — whether he is young or old. We’re going to find [whoever that person is] and we’re going to remove him from the community,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams said that her Ministry’s visit was to reassure students, teachers, other staff, and parents that “we are all in this together… and we are going to get this right”.

“We do have things in terms of providing guidance and counselling for children who have issues. We also have to ensure and provide the necessary resources to our guidance counsellors for them to engage and identify issues before they escalate, and provide probable solutions,” she added.

For his part, Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, said the police will be steadfast in its approach to protect communities from criminality, vowing to protect students “inside and outside school corridors”.

“Let me assure you that you will not be taking this journey on your own. We will be doing everything in our power to remove [those who are intent on breaking the law]. You are the future; do not be dragged into crime. Stay away from crime, criminality and gangsterism. It is not cool,” he told the students.

For his part, Board Chairman, Samuel Williams, who also addressed the school community, said he is longing for the day when the institution does not have to deal with incidents of violence.

“I hope one day Grange Hill High School will emerge as a victor over all the negative things that are happening. The Grange Hill community and its environs, I’m pleading to you all to think of the future and what we have as a legacy here at this institution. Let’s not break the partnership with God,” he said.

“I am hoping that the youth will put down the guns, think differently and think positively, and trust in God,” Mr. Williams added.