A series of bomb threats this week targeted multiple public and private schools across Barbados, prompting a police investigation and a strong rebuke from the Ministry of Education as it grapples with the disruption to students’ learning.
The threats were reportedly sent via email, prompting action by school, education and law enforcement officials.
Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw issued a statement on Thursday night denouncing the threats: “Every threat is taken seriously by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training. While bomb threats are not new, we denounce this malicious activity because of the unnecessary anxiety that it causes for some, and the disruption it causes for all at the schools targeted.”
She appealed to those responsible “to cease and desist from causing unnecessary disturbances in our schools”.
On Wednesday and Thursday, reports circulated that several schools had received bomb threats. Barbados TODAY understands that Charles F Broome Primary, Shirley Chisholm Primary and St Giles Nursery School were among public schools affected. There were also reports of similar threats at private schools.
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day at St Alban’s Primary School where several teachers had called in sick, Archer-Bradshaw revealed that as many as five threat calls were under police investigation.
“I am very concerned about it. I reached out to the Commissioner of Police to find out exactly how far along they are with the investigation,” she said. “I was told that it is under investigation. I was also told that we should continue with the evacuation procedures when the threats are made and contact the police and this is what our principals have been doing.”
The chief education officer noted the impact of the activities on students’ education: “These situations severely disrupt the education of our young citizens. You may see it as a day or two days they are away from school, but every day counts.”
Dr Archer-Bradshaw added that schools will continue with evacuation procedures when the threats are made.
She said: “I must commend our principals for having evacuation procedures and ensuring that the schools are settled when this occurs.”
President of the Barbados Union of Teachers Rudy Lovell said he was hoping the person or persons behind the threats could be stopped and held accountable as their actions were disrupting the teaching and learning process.
