Senior officers from the Port-of-Spain Division and the Community Oriented Policing Section of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) held discussions with Principals and representatives from over twenty primary schools situated in East Port-of-Spain. The meeting, convened at the Ministry of Education’s regional office on Jerningham Avenue, Belmont, was prompted by a recent surge in gang violence around schools in the vicinity, culminating tragically in the senseless death of 11-year-old Ezekiel Paria, who was struck by a stray bullet last week.
According to the TTPS, Senior Superintendent Harripersad Ramnarine, Acting Inspector Brathwaite, Sergeant Parris, and Corporal Thomas met with the educators to explore ways to intensify efforts to safeguard students and staff. During the discussions, the Principals voiced grave concerns about the safety of their schools, students, and staff, who navigate through high-risk areas daily. Senior Superintendent Ramnarine assured the Principals that the TTPS would ramp up strategies to address the violence affecting the surrounding communities. Some of these measures would be initiated immediately, while additional proposed measures will be submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Erla Harewood-Christopher, for her approval.
“The safety of our schools, staff, and students remains our paramount concern,” stated Senior Superintendent Ramnarine. “We are taking swift action using every resource at our disposal to contain the violence encroaching into school zones, to ensure the safety of our dedicated educators, and to protect the future of our cherished and vulnerable children.”
The Principals commended the TTPS’ commitment to student safety in the area and acknowledged the challenges they face in addressing this issue. Also present were Ministry of Education Officials, Ms. Tuitt, School Supervisor II, and Mr. Wade Griffith, responsible for school safety oversight. Senior Superintendent Ramnarine agreed to continue fostering collaboration and a follow-up meeting with additional stakeholders to develop solutions has been scheduled for the coming weeks.
