DLP: Strengthen security at schools

Calls for tighter security at schools have intensified following Tuesday’s shooting near Eden Lodge Nursery School, with the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) warning that the incident highlights serious concerns about safety around educational institutions.

Gunfire erupted just after 8:25 a.m. along Sorrel Lane, St Michael, metres from the nursery, as parents were dropping off children at the start of the school day. While no injuries were reported, the proximity of the incident triggered panic among parents and concern within the wider community.

In response, the Ministry of Education ordered the temporary closure of the school for the day as a precaution, with counselling support arranged for staff and students.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, DLP’s Education spokesman Quincy Jones described the shooting as “reckless and dangerous” which placed “the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens at risk”.

“The act… must be met with zero tolerance. The safety and security of our children must be the absolute priority. No child, parent, or teacher should have to face the fear and trauma associated with such violence, particularly in spaces meant for learning and development,” Jones said. 

The incident has since drawn condemnation from several groups, including the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Barbados National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (BNCPTA), both of which warned about the growing threat posed by violence near schools and the potential impact on children and educators.

Jones said Tuesday’s events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a broader issue that requires urgent attention.

“This incident raises serious concerns about the adequacy of security measures surrounding our educational institutions,” he said, arguing that more must be done to ensure that schools remain safe spaces for learning.

He also criticised what he described as a tendency to focus on other education initiatives while fundamental safety concerns remain unresolved.

“It is not enough to speak broadly about reform while failing to address the fundamental issue of safety.

“We caution against attempts to distract from core responsibilities by focusing on curriculum changes or extracurricular adjustments that do not address the immediate risks facing students,” Jones said.

“Initiatives such as enrichment programmes were previously explored and implemented with structure and purpose. However, no programme, past or present, can substitute for a safe and secure learning environment.”

The DLP is now calling for an immediate review of security arrangements at schools, particularly early childhood institutions, as well as clearer protocols between school administrations and law enforcement.

Among the measures being proposed are increased visibility of security personnel in vulnerable areas, and more transparent communication with parents about how safety is being managed.

Jones also questioned whether adequate systems are in place to respond to emergencies that may arise in school settings, stressing that uncertainty in such situations could place students at further risk.

“Our children deserve more than assurances; they deserve action,” he maintained.

“The Democratic Labour Party stands firm in its commitment to advocating for safe schools and will continue to hold the government accountable for ensuring that every child can learn in an environment free from fear.”

The comments come as police continue investigations into the shooting.

(SM)