BUT: Ministry promises improved security at Frederick Smith Secondary

President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Rudy Lovell says the Ministry of Education has promised to increase security and provide additional resources at the Frederick Smith Secondary School following a serious incident involving a female student.

Lovell spoke to members of the media moments ago, outside the Trents, St James institution where there was a four-hour long meeting with Ministry of Education officials and staff to discuss the incident which occurred yesterday.

He said the BUT has been agitating for security in schools for many years.

“I can’t say for certain that there would have been a reduced possibility of it happening. I have been agitating for security in schools for a number of years. We know there are some schools in Barbados that would need more security than others and Frederick Smith Secondary School is one such secondary school. We are hopeful that that security would be provided for the staff and students to be comfortable while carrying out their daily duties. We are mindful that yesterday’s incident would have triggered new protocols in terms of security in schools,” he said.

Lovell has left the compound; however, Minister of Education Kay McConney and Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw are currently touring the institution.

McConney has promised to speak to the media after the tour. (AH)