Principals welcome security guards in schools

In a move to address long-standing safety issues, the Ministry of Education has deployed 38 security guards across 35 schools. But while welcoming the move, administrators warned that vulnerabilities persist at some schools and pressed for further action to ensure student and staff safety.

President of the Association of Public Primary School Principals, Olwin Walker, described the development as a victory for education, particularly for schools that had gone without security personnel for several years.

She stressed that several schools remain at risk due to issues such as inadequate fencing, poor lighting, and the absence of night watchmen.

“This is a victory for all across education, especially for those institutions which were without security guards for more than five years,” Walker said.

“But there are schools which are still vulnerable based on their isolated locations, lack of fences, or fences with major breaches, blind spots, and poor lighting around the property. It is hoped that schools without night watchmen will also be addressed because we do have some schools which have neither a regular watchman nor a relief watchman.”

The Ministry of Education deployed the guards on Monday following a security audit and consultations with unions.

The guards were placed at nursery, primary, and special schools as part of efforts to improve safety for students and staff. Concerns about school safety have been raised repeatedly over the past year, with parents, teachers, and unions calling for action to address the absence of security personnel in many institutions.

Schools in rural or isolated areas were highlighted as particularly vulnerable, with incidents of trespassing, theft, and even violence prompting demands for a more robust security presence.

Walker told Barbados TODAY that some guards were sent to high-risk schools last term as part of a limited effort to address urgent threats but many schools have remained unprotected until now.

“We are at least one step closer to providing a safer environment for all of our constituents,” she said.

The absence of night watchmen at some schools has also been flagged as a pressing issue, with several relying on temporary solutions or going entirely without overnight security.

Walker stressed the importance of addressing this gap, particularly for schools with valuable equipment or those in areas prone to break-ins.

“Nonetheless, we are optimistic that the Ministry of Education will give earnest attention to these,” she said.

President of the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, Robin Douglas, also praised the ministry’s efforts.

“It is excellent that security guards have been deployed to the schools indicated. Indeed, security of all persons using the compounds – students, staff, parents – is paramount,” he said. “And so, the assignment of those guards is excellent.”

When asked about concerns regarding those secondary schools that also need safeguarding, Douglas would only say “our security needs are being met” and declined to comment further. 

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb