Statement from the

Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports

on the Incident at the Elmore Stoutt High School

9^th October, 2023

Parents, Students, and Members of the Elmore Stoutt High School Community,

We wish to provide an official statement regarding the incident that transpired on the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) campus on earlier today Monday, October 9.

Incident Overview: On the mentioned date, an incident occurred on the campus that involved an alleged retaliation in connection with a stolen bike. During the altercation, one student left the campus premises, prompting our school officials to initiate an immediate investigation. As a result of our evaluation of the situation, a decision was made to contact local law enforcement for assistance.

The authorities were already on campus when the student who had left the premises returned, accompanied by three other individuals on bikes. Notably, one of these individuals was wearing a mask. We would like to clarify that upon the police's arrival and subsequent detainment of these individuals, no firearms or other weapons were found in their possession. The situation was swiftly brought under control in less than 15 minutes.

Parental Communication: In an effort to keep our parents fully informed, the details of the incident were promptly communicated via email and social media. Additionally, we allowed parents who wished to collect their children from school early to do so, prioritising their peace of mind during this time of concern.

Misinformation and Disruption: Regrettably, there has been some misinformation circulating regarding this incident, which has led to unnecessary disruption both on and off the campus. We urge all members of our community to rely on official updates and information from the school administration to ensure the accuracy of the details they receive.

Commitment to Safety: The Ministry of Education reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our students and staff. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to matters of indiscipline and poor student conduct. The well-being of everyone within our school community remains our highest priority.

We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and continued support during this time. Together, we will work diligently to uphold the safety and conducive learning environment that our students deserve.