School Safety Policy to be Finalized by End of November
Jamaica Tightening Up on School Security
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, has announced that the new School Safety Policy is expected to be finalized by the end of November. The policy is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Strengthening Security Measures
The policy aims to strengthen security measures and ensure swift action in cases of violence on school grounds. This follows a recent incident in which a school bus driver was shot and killed on school grounds in Manchester.
Immediate and Long-term Measures
Speaking during a recent visit to Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester, following the killing of the school bus driver, the Minister offered heartfelt condolences and noted the Government’s commitment to undertaking immediate and long-term measures to address violence on school grounds.
"We are not just grieving with you; we are also taking strong, immediate steps to ensure that such an incident never happens again. We are committed to strengthening security measures in all our schools. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Security are working closely together to create safer school environments across Jamaica," she assured.
Security Measures
Security measures may include the addition of School Resource Officers, installation of security cameras, and entry and search policies to ensure that weapons are not taken into schools and that unauthorized people do not enter schools.
Minister’s Message to Students
Senator Morris Dixon encouraged students to remain strong, stay focused on their future, and reminded them that there are people available for them to talk to if they need support.
Conclusion
The new School Safety Policy is a significant step towards creating safer school environments in Jamaica. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Security are working together to ensure that schools are secure and that students can focus on their education without worrying about safety concerns.
FAQs
- When is the School Safety Policy expected to be finalized?
- By the end of November.
- Who is developing the School Safety Policy?
- The policy is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of National Security, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
- What are some of the security measures being considered?
- Addition of School Resource Officers, installation of security cameras, and entry and search policies to ensure that weapons are not taken into schools and that unauthorized people do not enter schools.
Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon meets with students in schools. Photo: Jamaica GIS.
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