Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin speaks in the House of Assembly. Photo credit Torrell Glinton.
NASSAU, The Bahamas--Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the government is working to significantly increase security and controls at public schools in the country.
As she contributed to the budget debate in the House of Assembly Thursday morning, Hanna-Martin said the ministry will introduce “sterile zones” at public schools so that only individuals authorised by school executives will be allowed entry.
“The ministry has begun installing electronic arms at school entrances to control access to school campuses,” she said.
“We are also in discussions, and I think there is a meeting today [Thursday – Ed.] with the Department of Information and Technology, to implement a unique student identification card system so that only authorised students can access their respective school campuses.”
The minister said the cards may also contain critical information about the child.
“These measures have become necessary in light of a number of incidents of unauthorised entries by students and adults that compromised school safety,” Hanna-Martin continued.
“… The ministry must also send a strong signal of zero tolerance, and that school campuses must be safe zones.
“Schools must also deal with the wide range of disciplinary issues, from minor infractions to serious violations.”
Hanna-Martin said students found in violation of the rules could face suspension at suspension centres, be enrolled in alternative education Programme SURE, or be placed into the juvenile justice system.
She said school incidents went down last year by 17%, but she didn’t provide the numbers.
The minister added that parents must work collaboratively to advance the shared concerns. ~ The Nassau Guardian ~
