Petrina Francis, Education ReporterAT LEAST three schools in the Corporate Area and St. Thomas were forced to close their doors yesterday because of violence, while another has implemented security measures.
The Seaforth High School in St. Thomas was forced to close its doors following a recent upsurge in violence in the surrounding community. Yesterday a man was shot and killed near the school.
Principal Hopeton Henry told The Gleaner that the school's administration took the decision to close the institution because of the tense situation in the community and concerns raised by parents.
"It is really a measure to calm fears that parents may have," he explained.
Mr. Henry said the police and other persons were against the move but he remained resolute with his decision, saying it was in an effort to protect his students and teachers.
The principal said there was also a shooting incident in the community three weeks ago. Classes are expected to resume on Monday.
In addition, classes at the Trench Town High School in south St. Andrew have also been suspended after an incident on Thursday when a gunman fired a bullet through a window in the principal's office.
The ongoing gang feud has also affected classes at the Jones Town Primary School.
Meanwhile, according to police reports, the principal of Wolmer's Girls' School said that students told her they were approached by men in the Cross Roads area on Thursday, enquiring about a student from the school who was shot in Admiral Town that morning.
The police also received reports of a man going to the school fence yesterday, asking for the girl.
WAVE OF FEAR
This sent a wave of fear throughout the school community, forcing the administration to implement additional security measures after meeting with
personnel from the police
commissioner's office.
In reaction to this recent wave of crime affecting schools, the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) yesterday called for increased security at schools following a fresh outbreak of violence in the troubled community of Arnett Gardens.
"We are working with the Ministry of Education and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce to broaden the Safe Schools programme and ensure that schools are safe," said Ruel Reid,
president of the JTA.
"But while we are talking about safe zones around schools, we are appealing to the authorities to ensure that all efforts are placed on reducing crime and violence at the macro level."
