STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

The National Security Council (NSC) invited the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro and her team to its meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and received an update on the Minister’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, in particular discussions she held with authorities at the London Violence Reduction Unit and UK’s Department for Education on ways to address crime and violence among young people, and students in our Territory’s secondary schools.

Council also received a presentation from the Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe on current safety and security strategies, including school-based interventions, and collaboration with law enforcement and the community.

NSC welcomed the opportunity for discussion on a number of ways to partner with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to help reduce risks of young people becoming associated or committing criminal activities.

Council gave its assurance to the Education Minister of its support, and committed to the establishment of a joint working group, comprised of key agencies, to advance initiatives ahead of the Minister’s upcoming visit to the UK in May 2025.

NSC acknowledged the Minister for Education’s appreciation for the opportunity to update and engage with the NSC on matters relating to crime and violence among young people. The Minister also welcomed NSC’s support and commitment to establish a joint working group to take forward recommendations.

Accompanying the Minister for Education were Permanent Secretary Dr. Marcia Potter, Deputy Secretary Claude Kettle and Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe.

The NSC, a constitutionally established body, considers matters relating to internal security and any significant security developments and criminal activity in the Territory. The NSC is comprised of the Governor, as Chairman, and members, including the Premier, the Minister for Communications and Works, the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police.