The Government of Saint Lucia announced earlier this week that it had received a $5.09 million grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan) “to support strategic development projects that benefit people and our environment by strengthening capacity, improving climate resilience and supporting economic development.”
A portion of that grant will go towards Enhancing School Security, the Government says.
Over the years schools security in Saint Lucia has been a perennial issue, with several incidents underscoring the many gaps in the system.
Last year, one particular occurrence saw teachers at the Ciceron Secondary School refusing to enter classrooms due to security concerns following an incident where a masked man entered the school compound in search of a student.
Back then, Education Minister Shawn Edward announced a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of teachers, students, and others during school hours.
This year there have been several reported incidents of breaches in school security and bullying at learning institutions.
Just last week, a parent whose child was allegedly bullied, was attacked by students, when the parent visited the school in search of answers. The incident is said to have occurred in the north of the island.
On Monday, during the pre-Cabinet press briefing, the Education Minister was again asked to comment on the situation regarding school security.
“School security remains a priority area for the Ministry of Education and I think we have made considerable strides in terms of trying to create that secure environment in which students, teachers and the extended education family can co-exist,” Edward said.
“But school security is more than just securing the buildings,” he said.
According to the Minister, there was a need for “real security personnel” as it makes no sense he said to invest millions in plant upgrades and smart classrooms without the requisite security.
“If you will be injecting that kind of resources into the schools as we know it, it stands to reason that you must have the requisite security to ensure that those are not vandalised and the schools are not burglarised and the investment we make is preserved,” Edward said.
“So in addition to securing the buildings we are also big on ensuring that all our schools remain as safe spaces when the children report on a morning with the teachers the principals the ancillary staff until they leave on an afternoon,” he said
This week’s funding from the Taiwanese with respect to Enhancing School Security will be in the sum of $679,225.
The Ministry of Education will use the money to procure and install CCTVs and alarm systems.
Perimeter fencing and lighting at vulnerable schools will also be improved to reduce burglaries and other physical threats to Taiwan Funds Saint Lucia School Security
The Enhancing School Security project the Government says will facilitate the rapid response of the police and professional security services when incidents occur and ensure a safer teaching and learning environment for students, teachers and parents.
Taiwan Ambassador to Saint Lucia, H.E. Peter Chia-yen Chen, presented the cheque to Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre and the Cabinet of Ministers during a brief ceremony in the Cabinet Room on Monday.
