Trinidad and Tobago education minister vows 'zero tolerance' for school violence

Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Education is maintaining a strict "zero-tolerance approach" to serious acts of violence and threats against student safety, according to Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath. His comments came in Parliament while addressing an incident captured on video showing a male student being beaten at Chaguanas South Secondary School.

Responding to Opposition MP Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister Dowlath confirmed the ministry received a preliminary report on the incident. He stated that the school had formally engaged the Chaguanas Community Police, and the matter is under police investigation. Regarding the students involved in the beating, the school has initiated its internal disciplinary process. Written statements from students and eyewitnesses have been collected, and parents of the involved students have been contacted for a conference. Disciplinary hearings will be convened according to ministry policies and the National School Code of Conduct, with appropriate action to follow.

In response to broader concerns about escalating school violence, bullying, and gang-related activity, Minister Dowlath outlined several measures. The National School Code of Conduct has been revised and strengthened, with clearer provisions addressing violence, cyberbullying, gang behavior, weapons, and serious misconduct. The "Police in Schools Programme" continues in 51 high-risk secondary schools, supplemented by increased police patrols and inter-agency collaboration.

Furthermore, the Student Support Services Division provides counseling, behavioral interventions, psychosocial support, and conflict resolution for at-risk students. Schools are also receiving support in behavioral management strategies, restorative practices, and conflict intervention. The ministry emphasizes ongoing collaboration with parents and school communities to enhance student supervision, discipline, and early intervention, while continuously monitoring student discipline and suspension data to guide support efforts.

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A zero-tolerance approach continues to be applied to serious acts of violence and threats to student safety.