Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
Probe launched into reported break-ins at two Region Three Schools
One of the schools that suffered a reported break-in
Even as the Ministry of Education is looking to ensure that schools across the country are conducive to learning, and that stakeholders work together to make sure that the teaching/learning experience yields satisfactory outcomes; there are yet some who are bent on opposing this strategic approach.
This was particularly evident when preparations were being made for the resumption of school on Monday.
Public schools across the country were closed for the lengthy July/August holidays with most hosting no activities over that period.
However, while there was merely the need for grooming the schools’ environs and a bit of intense cleaning here and there to prepare them for opening; at the Crane Primary School and Zeeburg Secondary School, there were some added concerns.
At the Zeeburg Secondary School, for instance, not only was there evidence to suggest that the school was broken into, but several computers and backup systems were missing and even electrical wirings were clearly removed from the school’s wall.
The Crane Primary School also had signs of a break-in. However, this publication was not able to ascertain what, if anything at all, was taken. But according to reports reaching this publication the signs of a break-in included damage to at least three padlocks securing the entrance to the Head teacher’s office. The schools’ canteen area was also similarly targeted.
But what has been deemed as even more troubling are the reports that schools across the Region, including the two reportedly broken into, are facilities that are overlooked by contracted security firms on a 24-hour basis.
Moreover, the recent break-ins were among the issues that topped the agenda when the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three held its statutory meeting on Wednesday.
The state of affairs were in fact brought up for discussion by Alliance for Change Councillor, Harry Narine Deokinanan, who during the forum emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into the acts that are believed to have been committed during the course of the school holidays. “An investigation into this should take place and jail those who have to jail, because it is our tax payers’ money that is used to build the schools and help mould the minds of our young ones today,” vocalised Deokinanan.
Also at the meeting on Wednesday, People’s Progressive Party Councillor, Linden Fowler, speculated that the break-in, at least, at the Zeeburg Secondary School is suggestive of “an inside job.” Fowler has based his pronouncement on an investigation he conducted in his capacity as a representative of the Region. He however, insisted that his findings are only his opinion and not necessarily embraced by others.
He perhaps based his position on the fact that his opinion when voiced at the recent meeting was not readily accepted by all who attended.
Among those who attended the meeting on Wednesday was the Regional Chairman of the Region, Mr Julius Faerber, and the Regional Executive Officer, Mr Donald Gajraj.
This publication was reliably informed that the break-ins are already being investigated, and will be up for further discussion when the Region’s Education Committee convenes its meeting nextTuesday.
Currently, the Ministry of Education is celebrating Education Month under the theme “Literate by Grade Four through consistent home, school and community involvement.”
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