Statement
STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
HONOURABLE SHARIE B. DE CASTRO
AT THE FIFTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTH
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ON
SAFETY AND SECURITY IN SCHOOLS
TUESDAY 31ST OCTOBER 2023
Madam Speaker, ensuring the safety and security of our schools is paramount to fostering a conducive learning environment for our students. The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to this imperative task, recognizing the fundamental role of effective leadership and positive behavioral support programs in addressing the challenges associated with maintaining discipline within our educational institutions.
As part of our mandate Madam Speaker, schools continue to implement a comprehensive matrix of infractions and consequences, designed to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our school communities. This framework enables us to enforce discipline consistently and fairly, thereby nurturing a culture of responsibility and respect among our students.
Madam Speaker, we are dedicated to creating and supporting a positive school climate and ethos through various mechanisms and robust checks and balances. Our collaborative efforts with school administrators, teachers, and students aim to foster a culture of mutual understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, thereby promoting a safe educational environment for all.
Madam Speaker, recognising the unpredictable nature of emergencies, it is imperative that all schools have well-defined incident and emergency plans in place. Regular drills and training exercises are integral to ensuring that all stakeholders, including teachers, and staff, and students are adequately prepared to respond effectively in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.
We are currently working in close collaboration with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to review and enhance these plans, thereby reinforcing our commitment to proactive safety measures. The Ministry has also requested increased patrols of schools and their surrounding areas, and strategic assistance with investigations in matters of extreme infractions as necessary.
Madam Speaker, in line with our unwavering dedication to maintaining a secure learning environment, the Ministry of Education maintains an absolute zero-tolerance policy towards any form of extreme misconduct. This stance underscores our firm belief that every student, teacher, and staff member have the right to feel safe and protected within the school premises.
The Ministry of Education remains dedicated to providing comprehensive support to every child within our educational system. However, Madam Speaker we recognize the significance of behavioral interventions in nurturing the holistic development of students, provided there is a genuine willingness on the part of the child and their parents to engage in these interventions. Our commitment to reaching every child underscores our belief in the transformative power of education and its ability to shape the future of our society.
Madam Speaker, however it is crucial to acknowledge that in instances where students are unwilling to partake in behavioral interventions, alternative measures will be considered to ensure the overall safety and well-being of all students, teachers, and staff. Our priority is to maintain a secure and conducive learning environment for all, and we will take necessary steps to uphold this commitment.
Madam Speaker, we understand the paramount importance of instilling a sense of security and confidence in parents, ensuring that their children are safe and protected within the school environment. By prioritizing measures that foster a culture of safety and support, we aim to cultivate a strong partnership with parents and guardians, assuring them that their children's well-being is of utmost importance to us.
Madam Speaker, it is essential to recognize that the vast majority of students in our schools are intellectual and dutiful individuals who deserve the right to learn in an environment that encourages their growth and development. By promoting a culture of respect and accountability, we aim to create a conducive learning atmosphere that nurtures the potential of every student, allowing them to thrive academically and socially.
Moreover, Madam Speaker, the Ministry is committed to ensuring that instructional time is maximised and not consistently disrupted due to misconduct. We recognise that every minute counts in the educational journey of our students, and as such, we are dedicated to implementing measures that minimise disruptions and create an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.
Madam Speaker, the Ministry remains open to collaborating with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other community groups, recognizing the pivotal role they play in fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for our schools. By encouraging community involvement and support, we aim to create a strong network of stakeholders committed to the success and well-being of our students. Through these collective efforts, we remain resolute in our commitment to providing a nurturing and secure educational experience for all students.
Madam Speaker, ultimately our singular aim remains unwavering: to ensure that all students, teachers, and staff of all schools across the territory can thrive in an environment that prioritises their safety and well-being. Through our collective efforts and proactive measures, we will work diligently to foster a culture of security and support, thereby nurturing the holistic development and growth of every single student in our care.
Thank you Madam Speaker.
