More security at Dominica’s secondary schools

Hyacinth. Photo credit: GIS

An increase in the physical presence of security guards at secondary schools is among measures to be put in place by education officials in Dominica.

The new move follows two days of unrest at the Dominica Grammar School (DGS) involving teachers and students.

The country’s Chief Education Officer Stevenson Hyacinth reported Thursday that the Ministry of Education currently has three security guards at the DGS and the security will be increased at all secondary schools.

He said meetings will be conducted with the principals of various secondary schools on the island to further discuss the matter.

“We met with the DGS teachers today and their main concerns were that of security. We informed them that we will be scrutinizing how effective the security guards are in performing their duties. We will be addressing other concerns as it relates to school effectiveness and improvement,” he said.

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107 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    February 18, 2012

    dno you have issues with my comment

  2. CIA on the watch
    February 18, 2012

    Sometimes we in Dominica have to wonder if the administrators ever thought of the decision that they take reflects the mood in a given environment i.e. if that decision is taken to have more security at schools it tells me that in our school system there are criminal elements seating in our class rooms, if that is so, why not amend the education act to give whoever it is to remove these criminal elements from the class room so that our class rooms can be safer,the criminals in the class room are a minority and they are well known by teachers and students, why go through that expense of employing security at schools, we will never get use to that in Dominica, and may i say if the parent cant grow up their kids who live with them the teacher only have six hours in a twenty four day and not much can be done, finally the criminals must be weeded out and get the parents to parent their kids, its a sad day for DA

  3. carib child
    February 18, 2012

    Scrap U.S.E and bring back J.S.P :lol: :-? :-P

  4. antedote for fools
    February 17, 2012

    It seems that Steve Hyacinth lacks vision and is setting up the schools more failure regarding the safety of students and teachers bu thinking that security guards will be the solution. What we need is communal effort and prevention programs that will engage young people productively. A past student told me that he recently gave the chief education a proposal to address the issue of violence but as usual the bureaucrats have gone to sleep on it. Wake up Steve Hyacinth. 8-O

  5. Rastafari
    February 17, 2012

    I would never condone violence in any shape or form however, I must say this: Growing up attending schools in Dominica was HELL!! Most of the teachers were wicked and abusive. Today, they seem to want to follow suite of their predecessors and the youth will not have that cr@p happening to them, so, they rebel for a cause! Security guards in the schools are going to solve NOTHING! The solution: DOMINICA TEACHERS, STOP HITTING OUR CHILDREN!!!

    • ....................
      February 19, 2012

      You were obviously a d–nuisance, and you are still one. Hope you dont have any children, they might be worse than you.

  6. ZIG ZOG ZABAT
    February 17, 2012

    Those lazy heads in the Ministry of Education are largely responsible. If a leader or if leaders cannot nip bad behaviour from the bud, it will increase..Students have been fighting with teachers,and reports have reached these people.Students have gotten a pat on the risk for their misbehaviour.They have taken this as a motivational force to continue with bigger fights and illdisciplined behaviour.The teacher is out of the picture according to these guys/people.
    THE LITTLE PITTANCE, that the teacher gets has also driven many males out of the profession. This is a major problem at our co ed schools.Males have always been good leaders. Some of these so called students bother less about those female principals. In any case some of them just sit in the comfort of their offices,and do not even patrol the building once a week..IT’S A COMPLEX PROBLEM!

    • ...................
      February 19, 2012

      I AGREE WITH YOU TOTALLY…

    • Justice and Truth
      February 19, 2012

      @ ZIG ZOG ZABAT

      The high schools should have remained as they were in previous years. Boys only at the DGS; and male teachers. Girls only at the CHS; and female teachers.
      It appears to me that those governments have made a mess of the school system. Politicians are quite capable of doing that and with other systems. No exception in other countries. They think that they can fix things. They will not listen to the people and the majority at that even though they got the majority of votes from the majority of people. Their day will come.

  7. Law and order
    February 17, 2012

    DGS, should be the Harvard, Oxford ,Cambride of Dominica. It means the government should spend more money on DGS, make sure it has the best teachers, and head, the best facilities in terms of labarotory , library, playing fields.. Children to DGS should have a pass the entrance exams. parents should be of responsibe calibre.
    To turn that school around we need a head who can maintain discipline and hih academic standards. The government must invest in DS as it is the school which represent Dominica not a rivate or reliious school, but Dominica. Come on Mr. PM this is our Alma Mata.

    • Justice and Truth
      February 19, 2012

      @ Law and Order

      Whatever the school, the government should not ignore it and should bring it up to par. This includes discipline in the school.
      It is shocking to know that the Minister of Education and the DGS Headmaster are unable to establish discipline in that school or any school in DA for that matter.
      It sounds like a melee in that school. It is a real scandal and to read that a student injured a teacher. He could have killed him.
      How can the children learn anything if first, they lack discipline and they are not disciplined and have respect for the teachers? Those people in authority, if they are unable to establish discipline in schools they should be fired. They do not deserve the position that they hold. They are receiving evil vibes from those students. They are the authorities and they better do something about it and immediately so before something worst happens. Otherwise they will be held accountable if such happens. It is a serious matter and one to be taken seriously. Disciplinary action is required and not more security guards. They are dealing with children and not criminals, I hope.

  8. flyboy
    February 17, 2012

    The damage has been done. Now it is time to pick up the pieces and look for solutions to prevent another occurence. Stop blaming each other because that will only add fuel to the fire. I challenge the Dominican community including the clurgy, government and elected officials, law enforcement officials, teachers, students and most importantly parents to get together to ease the tensions that are now plaguing our education institutions. We need our students to get a quality education and as such teachers need an environmently friendly atmosphere in order perform that task. Teachers should be reminded that they are an extension of the family and therefore should conduct themselves accordingly when they are in and out of the classrooms. Let us make our Dominica proud. Show our students and teachers that they are an asset to our community. Let us lead by examples.

  9. 123
    February 17, 2012

    The question the Chief Education Officer Stevenson Hyacinth must answer is where is the money coming from to pay for more people to sleep and cook jort- when Teachers are asked to do more with less and we are facing decreasing salaries as inflation is eating away our….. Who is going to foot that bill Mr. for that security increase at “all secondary schools”???????

  10. ....................
    February 17, 2012

    @ Mable DGS had security long before the Convent Prep incident.
    These students are quite aware of the leeway they get and it stems from we the parents, before a child comes home with a complaint we gnash with our tongues before getting down to the issue at hand. We need to take responsibility for our children, it takes a community to raise a child.
    This nonsense needs to stop, we’re humans all capable of making mistakes but this behavior is unacceptable.
    From the day after the incident parents, teachers, Government should have seen it fit to meet immediately.
    That’s our problem we make the small things slide and are shocked at the bigger ones.
    Lets come together as an island and stop blaming and pin pointing everyone else, it starts with each one of us.
    I am on board are YOU????????

    • Joe
      February 17, 2012

      I feel you….I am!

    • Onlooker
      February 17, 2012

      Couldn’t have said it better! I am definitely on board as a parent!

  11. OH MY G!!!!!!
    February 17, 2012

    stop being reactive and be more proactive. this is the reason we are not moving forward as a nation.we are regressing.the persons that share the hierarchy of responsibilities in this country is not taking their responsibilities seriously. is time for the prime minister get more serious with such inefficient people on staff.

  12. zuma
    February 17, 2012

    Surely Security guards are not the answer to this sad situation. Every tom, dick, and harry who went to high school know that discipline was from the teacher to expediate and no one else, remember when teachers name could instill fear in us just by saying mr so and so or miss so and so and we would just BEHAVE, Where is this fear, not physical fear but Phsychological fear, this is what is needed RESPECT from both teachers and students.

    What we fail to realise is that these young men and woman are going through A HORMONAL PHASE.Imagine hormones flying all over the place -teenagers- we all went through this. these students needs attention if they cant get this at home please let them have it in the class. they want to be acknowledged. remember the days when there use to be teacher student relationship. i use to visit my teachers house, and they would welcome me and we would speak about different things. is this happening today. thses are questions we may need to ask. SECURITY GUARDS AT A SCHOOL IS A NO NO. These kids needs love and respect. they dont need anyone coming around and strunting thier stuff in front thier eyes they want to be taught and they want to be taught in the right way.

    I am begging the authorities please before you consider the Security guards, give this a last chance build teacher student relationship and lets see what happens. allow the students to express themselves maybe they cant do this at home. is there a student council who is present to accept students to come to them to speak openly. before this was not really needed maybe now it is. Please consider this decision re: security guards. there are many ways in which these issues can be resolved without terrorizing the students any further. these kids are fragile embrace them like its GLASS, LOVE THEM LISTEN TO THEM. GIVE THEM A CHANCE . THEY DONT NEED THIS. THEY NEED A HUMAN TOUCH NOT SOME BIG BULLY COMING TO THIER SCHOOL AND MAKING THIER LIVES A MESS.

    i BLIEVE THE CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE
    TEACH THEM WELL AND LET THEM LEAD THE WAY
    SHOW THEM ALL THE BEAUTY THEY POSSES INSIDE
    TEACH THEM A SENSE OF PRIDE TO MAKE EASIER
    LET THE CHILDREN LAUGHTER REMIND US OF HOW IT USE TO BE AND WILL BE

    THEY ARE LOOKIG FOR A HERO SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO SOMEONE TO FULLFIL THIER NEEDS

    TEACHING IS NOT A MONEY MAKING INSTITUTION IT IS A DEDICATION. THROUGH LOVE PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS. bake them cookies and see how they will change, its like going after a loved one you dont put vinegar for the bee. you put honey…..

  13. Rastafari
    February 17, 2012

    Security guards, let’s see! That seems to be the answer to things in D/A these days. It’s a Very lucrative business, and the big boys at the top are shareholders in the Security system. They make certain disruption is the order of the day so they could call for more security personnel, who do absolutely NOTHING to SECURE anyone. Our officials are so crooked, they forgot to be smart. Mind you, they operate in the open so in the end they can say “The whole nation was aware of things” Take heed Dominicans, because contrary to popular belief, we are not stupid!!

  14. just a suggestion
    February 17, 2012

    I don’t wish to generalise but todays’ children are very different from yesterdays’ children. They are under very different pressures, including the pressure to be men/women when they are children. They do not acquire the skills to handle pressure and just lash out – the boy in this incident walked out of the class, looked for a weapon, walked back in the school, and still hit the teacher. You would think all this activity would have lessened his anger and give him time to figure out this would not end well. This was totally pre-meditated, how can this boy be allowed to continue in the school. What is the message for the other pupils, what is the message to the teacher who was assaulted. It also seems a lot of parents have just opted out of their parenting roles and are just as afraid of their children as the teachers. Many find it impossible to say ‘no’ to their children. You see parents with even younger children in the street, in shops and they are kicking and screaming for something and the parent has no clue how to correct or even address the bad behaviour. When a 3,4 year old is being ‘naughty’ it may be cute, but when its a 14, 15, 16 year old, its potentially dangerous. If the student is not accountable, then this must fall on the parents as this behaviour is totally unacceptable.

    For some children continuing at school is not neccessarilly the best option and will at some stage become counter productive. The educators will have to consider inovative routes to manage such children, to sit with them and really find out what makes them tick so they can hopefully be set on an alternative learning path leading to re-integration into the school/adult community at some point. We cannot all be lawyers, doctors etc.

  15. ICEMILK
    February 17, 2012

    this boy supposed to be locked up, charged for attempt murder, and seve at least five years in prison. hi playing big man, let him get big man sentence.

  16. Nkrumah Kwame
    February 17, 2012

    The statement by the country’s Chief Education Officer is laughable at best and insulting at worst!!! What will an increase in the number of security guards accomplish? They certainly do not have the authority to discipline students and even if the had what will they use to so do? If the students have no respect for the TEACHERS who provide them with knowledge and skills, how much less will the respect the guards? Mr. Hyacinth, you are dealing with the symtons of the challenge and not with the cause. We need to provide the regulations to accompany the Education Act and do what is necessary to return our schools to normalcy – and we must not be concerned with what the distractors say or think

    Do have yourself an enjoyable day!!!

    • Justice and Truth
      February 17, 2012

      @ Kwame

      Who is responsible for discipline in that school? Should it not be the DGS Headmaster, most of all? If children were disciplined, if the teacher says, “sit down; go to your desk; keep quiet”. Why should they get upset and go to the extent of injuring the teacher. Something is wrong that they are beyond discipline. If they do not want to accept discipline and have no respect for the teachers, then send them home for good; either suspend or expel them and with a relevant letter to their parent(s). It is as simple as that.

  17. we will see
    February 17, 2012

    THat is what happens when skerrit say all children will attend a secondary school. when we had common entrance all children had to work hard to go to a secondary schhol. those who stayed behind is those who were no interested in school..well not all..at least with the jsp program ..by the time these children ready to go to do the jsp they have already realize that they are maturing into an adult and by that time they have made up their mind to learn.. now because of the new system all children learned or unlearned go to secondary school. and those unlearned or not interesting are the one committing the violence in school preventing those who want to learn. My susggestion is to stop this new program that ALL CHILDREN MUST GO TO A SECONDARY SCHOOL. THIS IS WHAT CAUSING THE PROBLEM. GO BACK TO JSP..AND COMMON ENTRANCE TIME.

  18. we will see
    February 17, 2012

    more security for secondary schools???? well well ..at the rate the children going on soon they will call for security for those security guards. we need a strong polce force on the compound..those security guards need security too.. one of those guards more tebeh then ever. so guards like him need security.

  19. Anonymous
    February 17, 2012

    more security for secondary schools???? well well ..at the rate the children going on soon they will call for security for those security guards. we need a strong polce force on the compound..those security guards need security too.. one of those guards more tebeh then ever. so guards like him need security.

  20. KG
    February 17, 2012

    I taught high school in Dominica in the 1990s. At that time, students respected teachers and teachers/principals had the power of discipline. Once the Education Act passed, educators lost the power of direct discipline (similar to the American system) and our schools descended into the state of chaos and disrespect we have today. These kids know that discipline is not easily forthcoming by the schools and therefore they have a sense of invincibility against their educators. The old adage rings true, ‘spare the rod, spoil the child.’ – the result is kids with no accountability and a country with an increasingly high crime rate. This moral decay of our country is indeed very sad!!!

    • Domerican
      February 17, 2012

      As a former teacher, I have to agree with you.

    • Hope
      February 17, 2012

      I concur. The worst thing to ever happen to our education system in Dominica was the ‘Education Act”. Our policy makers are too intelligent to figure that out!

  21. First Timer
    February 17, 2012

    Putting more security guards at all secondary schools is not the answer. Before introducing Universal Secondary Education, education officials should have ensured that a full technical/vocation and remedial package was put in place for students who were having difficulty coping with the normal secondary curriculum. We all know that some parents have not done their jobs as parents and as such schools should provide a personal development package addressing the emotional, social and spiritual development of students. We can ague all day that it is the parent’s responsibility but at the end of the day we all live in the same communities and these situations affect us all. Education should be done in a holistic way and address the full development of an individual after all we all know the saying, “educasion cest pas les piew”

  22. vip
    February 17, 2012

    take all those bad characters in the school and put them to work on our farms in dominica under strict police supervision.they will eat what they grow . nand give them weekends to visit their family.

  23. Shameless
    February 17, 2012

    Shame on you and the government. It took children protesting for you all to respond to what teachers and parents alike have been complaining of for years. In my opinion you need to be fired pronto….NEXT!

    • king man
      February 17, 2012

      security guards can do shit!!!! the same parents that have to put their children straight. the education act need revisiting!!!!

  24. Mia
    February 17, 2012

    What will more security guards do? PLEASE! They have no authority. THese children know the school can’t do anything to them. A principal can’t even expel a student who has committed multiple violent acts without permission from the Ministry & the Ministry either brushes it off or sends the child to the next school to cause havoc. Expel these kids & bring criminal charges against them!

    • miss
      February 17, 2012

      i quite agree with you. these security guards cant enter the classroom, and is in the classroom these students give teachers most problems!

    • REFRESH
      February 17, 2012

      Mia, I agree with you, once you have shed blood to a teacher that is teaching you you need to be expled… and no other school should take you in, trust me the parents will not be happy but the Ministry needs to be on the side of the teachers for once…We do want our schools to be like the US. Parents in Dominica need to stand up to their child, because one of thees days it will get so out of hand the parents themselves will put hie hand on their heads and cry… I know of one parent that have a 15 year old Boy child that does whatever he wants to teachers and students in different school, No matter which school they send him is the same thing…WHY.. the reasons is he is fighting everybody and the Minister of EDU. have him from one school to the next, doing the same thing, no change… I have said numerous times to kick him out of school but NO they are waiting for him to kill someone and then act… God help them

  25. DA woman
    February 17, 2012

    I am really not sure how the increase in security guards at the school is going to curb the situation. This is a very serious problem that erupted in Dominica- never in my lifetime did I think that this would happen in Dominica. It is not good for out teachers neither our students.
    As I see it this is a result of the Universal Education System which was started a few years ago. This sounds to be one of the many students who was out in the wrong enviroment he was not ready for.

    Its unfortunate also that this teacher has to pay for a CT scan out of his own pocket. I think that this is where the government should step in and help this man- God knows what can happen if he dies, since we do not know the extent of his injuries- this student then becomes a murderer.

    On another note I cannot say that I blame the teachers for what is happening at our schools today. The problem started a long time ago. It is up to our parents to nurture and educate children from the time they are small, and then our preschool teachers and primary school teahrs.

    To the minisrty of Education I say do away with all this ABC, days of the week and writing in preschools and prepare our early childhood educators not teachers, to develop childrens social, personal, cultural and enviromental self.Yes Howard Gartner! THis is what we need, children who learn to take responsibility for themselves and those around them. Sometime I wish I could return to make a start in thsi area, but things are so different back home that I am not sure how my ideas will recieved.

    Let us all pray for Dominica!

  26. ....................
    February 16, 2012

    Hyacinth please spear me
    No condemnation for this student’s action and that’all? A member of staff need further medical assistance and that’s all????????????????????
    Isn’t DGS a Government school??? He got injured on the job, what business/stupid policy $500 before the scan is taken?????????
    Get off this high horse of yours Hyacinth and get down to business, what you getting all that money for…

    • yes i
      February 17, 2012

      I was waiting to hear about the teacher, his injuries, the CT scan and a whole lot more. What nonsense is that? If you cannot do the job, what we paying you for?

  27. Mable
    February 16, 2012

    Dominicans just like the parrot on the flag!! When the man attacked the child in convent prep they called for more security in the schools…Now ministry is saying the same thing they on the next side….

    • Mia
      February 17, 2012

      Two very different situations. In the Convent Prep case, a man who did not belong on the property attacked a child. A security guard would’ve prevented that. In the case of DGS, a student attacked a teacher, a security guard can’t do anything about that except try to bring the student to the principal office. The principal can’t do anything with the student because Ministry won’t allow it.

      • Justice and Truth
        February 21, 2012

        @ Mia

        You are correct. These are two different incidents.

    • Justice and Truth
      February 21, 2012

      @ Mable

      You are comparing both incidents. An intruder attacked a girl at the CHS.
      A DGS student attacked a teacher.
      Note the difference which you are fully aware of.
      Security is required at the CHS due to the nature of what occurred.
      DGS needs to discipline the children. This was an internal attack, by a student. DGS does not need additional security unless if there is a set of student criminals.
      Discipline is required at DGS. How many times do those who are in the majority and have agreed to it must repeat it?

  28. Justice and Truth
    February 16, 2012

    DGS seems to be out-of-control and incapable of appling discipline in the school.
    More security in secondary schools? There are already security in schools? This is a big problem. It sounds like a financial institution, certain stores and the prison and not a school with students and a place of learning.
    Is the school incapable of controlling and disciplining those children? If children are not disciplined what type of adults will they make? They are supposed to be a future P.M., school master or teacher, a politician, parent, etc., etc., etc. If they are lawless children and continue to be so, what type of future society will Dominica be?
    Where is the PM in all this? Why can he not make a statement about this lack of discipline in the high school?
    I state as others, shame on you adults, head masters, principals, educators, minister of education if you are incapable of applying discipline in your schools and cannot control those children. You are also encouraging them in their lawless behaviour. You are afraid of the children and are allowing them to rule you. This is another scandal. This is exactly what they want.
    Whimps! You people should be fired. If you are incapable of performing your duty and instilling discipline in those schools, it appears that new head masters, other principals and a minister of education is required. YOU HAVE FAILED BIG-TIME! SHAME!

  29. FED - UP
    February 16, 2012

    I AM FED UP OF ASKING THE OFFICIALS TO EVALUATE THE U.S.E. that is clearly striping our children of their creativity. I will reiterate that the CEO,Hyacinth, was involved in Vocational Ed. thru JSP and he is the same one who killed the program and has not complemented the skills with the academics for our children at the High schools. WHEN WILL THE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS TAKE CARE OF “-THE WHOLE CHILD?” I AM STILL PRAYING

  30. Anon.
    February 16, 2012

    What is he talking about new measure? P.S.S has been trying for so long to get security guards posted at the school. Thanks to the police force in the town who respond on time and perform daily patrols. Steve Hyacinth was a teacher then principal ( he was mine at primary school) and now chief who should understand the situation and plight of education even more.The same exuberance he puts into his plays he needs to put into secondary schools everywhere….STOP SENDING WINDITH TO USELESSLY and NEEDLESSLY TELL US THINGS WE ALREADY ARE AWARE OF, FOR ONCE STEVE COME TO A MEETING AT THE SAME SECONDARY SCHOOLS YOU ARE GOING TO IMPLEMENT THOSE ‘NEW MEASURES’.

  31. Why
    February 16, 2012

    Arrest him and file criminal charges on this student I cannot say child because he took matters in his own hands and behave like an idot some of these children want to be adults before their time arrest him Mr Hyacynth where is the encouragement for the teachers who are delicated to the wellfare of these young people they are molding tommorow leaders frankly Teachers are not paid enough

    • Rastafari
      February 17, 2012

      Mr Hyacynth cannot execute an ararest, he is not Law enforcement.

  32. Free Thinker
    February 16, 2012

    I stand in solidarity with the teachers of DGS in their struggle for better working conditions. I condemn the violent act against Mr Winston, the teacher of DGS!!
    Putting security guards is no solution to the problem, this is more like a plaster on a big ‘bo-bo’. I cannot believe the response of the education officials, this is shameful!!

    This is a the result of the Universal Secondary Education and the Education Act which were prematurely implemented by the politicians. These are failures and the politicians are too ashamed to admit it.
    These events taking place presently are manifestations of the lawlessness which is so prevalent in our society. May God release us soon.

  33. high school teacher
    February 16, 2012

    Well I must confess that teachers have been bending too much for students, even school rules we sometimes disregard to get along with them. HMMMMMMMM but the Ministry of Education has to carry a lot of blame starting with those at the top. Snatching power from the teachers when comes to canning students and indoctrinating students that they have the right to this and the right to that without giving the RESPONSIBILITIES is one of the reasons for all that deybarrrrrrrrrrrr. Furthermore when those in authority abuse power and thind they bigger than God the Creator then we get a slap in the face when we SPARE THE ROD. I hope DGS teachers go on stage with Dice on Saturday.

  34. tiny
    February 16, 2012

    what were they doing dragging a kid to the principal’s office in the first place…if the kid is a trouble maker try to calm him down and kindly ask him to leave the classroom…if he does not want to go the the principal office then tell him he has no choice but to leave the school compound and come visit he principal when he is ready to come back to school… the way in which you ask this child to leave is very important…i know one may be very emotional at this point but try to be the adult here for the sake of the other kids… but most of all try to put an end to an altercation before it escalates……i know that at times using the best technique there is can be futile/ineffective…only then should drastic measures be taken…..

  35. Parents
    February 16, 2012

    we also need security for our male students at goodwill secondary school

    • vip
      February 17, 2012

      if you are misinformed Goodwill school has the best security measures in place to deal with these students and for a long while theyve been dealing with these kinds of issues.SO FAR GOODWILL SECONDARY LEADS THE WAY IN COUNTERACTING THESE ISSUES.AND IN DOMINICA PARENTS NEED TO BE PARENTS AND STOP LEAVING IT FOR THE SCHOOL TO TRAIN AND DISCIPLINE THEIR CHILDREN.

  36. teacher
    February 16, 2012

    THe issue starts at the societal level where we have children themselves making children n no longer r we our brothers’ keeper. The problem has been further compounded by the USE program which is abUSE – in , confUSE- in n refUSE- in teachers n also failing our children. What has happened to the good ole’ JSP program that once gave kids hope n motivation to attain Secondary education if they had failed the Common Entrance Examinations?

    This USE program has been sending the wrong message! So kids figure they can go to school and fail as much as they want but will still be promoted until they leave the school system with whatever little they have acquired academically. Meanwhile those who are uninterested spoil the good bunch encouraging loitering, refusal to work and co-operate, disturb sessions and display aggressive behavior to students and teachers alike!

    We teachers, esp those of us at Gvt schools have to deal with children from all imaginable backgrounds each with their own attitudes, problems etc… only to be insulted, abused and still blamed for the misconduct of these miscreants. Yet we are NOT the ENEMIES! We are powerless and our students are playing on this fact! MAny are well aware that not much can be done when they misbehave (suspensions at most r given which serve little purpose since these kids return to the compound causing trouble)

    THe stituation is a sad one indeed and it seems the lives of teachers will have to be taken away for drastic measures to be taken by those who have the power. SAD, SAD I SAY…

  37. Sandra
    February 16, 2012

    Since we have become like American schools (in terms of universal education) why aren’t we doing what the American schools are doing in terms of discipline?
    1. Police/probation officer presence in schools
    2. In-school suspensions away from the classroom
    3. Explore alternate schools for behavioral challenged kids. We can have one for the whole country. If the child is man/woman enough to misbehave then they and their parents are responsible for getting them to and from school, even if it is an hour away.
    We CANNOT afford to sacrifice the good children with those coming from homes with parents that refuse to discipline them.
    This violence is really getting out of hand. Never in my wildest dreams would I see us coming to that.

  38. Teacher
    February 16, 2012

    We also need security for our male students at the Goodwill Secondary School.this will be the next story on air a five paper letter was sent to the Prime minister of Dominica about the gay story at Goodwill secondary school.students of goodwill are not safe,one teacher now of a student getting love texts on his cell phone every day and night.

    • Parents
      February 16, 2012

      is true goodwill story was on mat

  39. YES SA
    February 16, 2012

    imagine my child in Grade K and i there i say i sending her when her time comes for Secondary School.. awa we pal…. is not better things getting these days.. and it already worst at DGS

  40. Anonymous
    February 16, 2012

    As if that doing and do anything! They’re going to put a guard in every class room? What happened to the student who hit the teacher has been expelled yet? Where is the message of zero tolerance from the top Education Officials for those kinds of attitudes and actions but students? You have to set the tone! Why we are not hearing of how the issue was handle re the student?

  41. SMH
    February 16, 2012

    What about the hiring of professionals? What about counselors? What about School Psychologists? what is Dominica going to step up to the real situation of the day?

    • juice
      February 17, 2012

      best they turn the school into a boot camp since they not learning academically.fence up the place and start a bootcamp,when i went to school 10 years ago security guards did not exist iin schools and there was no need for it;if we have come to such a point then it is no longer a learnig environment and something drastic should be done about it..i feel so ashamed …imagine i wanted my son to attend this school when he gets older change of plans wii big change.

  42. February 16, 2012

    Mano boy, you need more than just security guards, what you need to do is initiate actually a school police force with powers to arrest!

    And these officers should be allowed to carry guns, since it is anticipated that they will be protecting students and teachers from the criminal elements who are disrespectful and also disruptive!

    If the security guards do not have the power to arrest, and no gun to protect themselves, what happened to Winston might only be a picnic of what is in store to come.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque(Son).

    • Justice and Truth
      February 17, 2012

      @ Francisco

      You are so correct. It is my feeling that the worst is yet to come.

  43. LULZ
    February 16, 2012

    OK… more security. When? For how long? Will they stop the troublemakers? Will they search students for weapons?

  44. citizen
    February 16, 2012

    no one have to be blame for this.. the officials are doing their best by putting security.. the parents have to be blame for raising badly brought up children.. the worst teacher his son is a well behaved child, so this means he is a great parent..the official cant do anything but to give more security..its just bad that this have to happen.

    • Rastafari
      February 17, 2012

      Ok, first you said no one has to be blamed for this, then you said blame the parents? Make up your mind, citizen.

    • Justice and Truth
      February 17, 2012

      @ citizen

      Security for children? More security? Are they criminals and prisoners who are incarcerated? Ridiculous! For God’s sake, they are children! Are they succumbing to the whims and bad behaviour of those children?
      The medicine is discipline and disciplinary measures. Unless the authorities do something, it may be worst than an injury.
      Would I love to be the Minister of Education. Each of those unruly children need to be reprimanded. Discipline does not have to be harsh. It could be conducted in a loving or genial manner but while exercising authority.

  45. Anthony Ismael
    February 16, 2012

    This is my pride and joy. I had some of my best days at DGS. We were prud to wear the uniform and attend school daily.
    It’s sad there has been two days of unrest due to violence. How times have changed.

  46. T
    February 16, 2012

    But Mr seem to be in support of the near death thing that happened at DGS there man.

  47. Dominican to da bone
    February 16, 2012

    It is the close of buisiness day and still no statement from the Education Minister. What i want to know is why is is being so quiet. This is a serious issue and one would think that a report would have been given to ensure the kids and teachers at the school that safety will e a non issue going forward and that steps are being put together to ensure that all is well on campus. That is sad, i truly believe that the Prime Minister and Education Minister should have said something even if it is a brief statement while they assess the situation and come up with a solution. I think the need to change that quote of arms from “Apres Bondie C’est La Ter’ to ‘apres Skerrit epe Peter say Miser’ two frenchmen..papa now all you die

  48. Young and Restless
    February 16, 2012

    A rush to impose security patrol at the secondary schools may or may not be an effective means of curbing the violence. It is true that uniform patrol can have a psychological impact however as soon as those kids realize that the security measures are limited the fear of the uniform patrol will diminish and the violence will continue. To have an effective system the security measures must involve a methodology that would scan/ search the kids for weapons before they enter the assembly areas.

    In the mean time I hope that the authorities are looking into the underlying causes – those that require discarding foolish political pride and making the necessary changes that would benefit the kids and guarantee safety of teachers. One way of control the high octane and sometimes dangerous energy of teenagers is by having them engaged in extra curriculum activities particularly sports. The DGS ground which played a major role in character building for students of the DGS and even around the Roseau area is no longer available. In this day and age how can we simply show such disregard for such an important element for developing young people- that is unacceptable.

    The other factor is that not all kids are interested in Chemistry, Literature Physics, biology and mathematics- some kids just want to be able to use their hand and in doing so they will be interested in the level of maths ,chemistry or physics required to pursue their passion and skill set. It is time to take the education system back to the drawing board.

  49. tiny
    February 16, 2012

    i think teaching/equipping the teachers on how to deal with these altercation will be way more effective ….those students might just gang up on the security officers if these officers want to use force on them….these officers need to be taught how to deal with these kids in a non combative manner also and use force only when necessary..counselors at these schools should be increased also

  50. February 16, 2012

    i think the teachers association need to talk about the Universal Secondary Education that was implemented… because no amount of security is going to be enough…. if is security that’s the concern deal with the problem at the root… and the root is the U.S.E…. get rid of it… ‘teeway yoh see yoh par bon’

    • Justice and Truth
      February 17, 2012

      @ Mouth of the South

      Universal or “national?”

  51. Concern For Da
    February 16, 2012

    They need to contact the security company in NY the Dominican guy owns. They do security all over the world so why someone don’t contact the guy. Those guys are into cameras

  52. ZIG ZOG ZABAT
    February 16, 2012

    Is that the total statement? I mean? Am i to believe that what happened was justified?
    Can someone help me please? Why wasn’t the action condemned in the worse possible way? OMG!

  53. Not a herd follower
    February 16, 2012

    the only industry that is growing in Dominica is security, a sad but profound manifestation of the times.

  54. ghetto voice
    February 16, 2012

    security guards are unarmed…students have weapons…..what u expect to happen…i know a security guard who worked there and they burst his head…those seurity just as helpless as those students put s.s.u in the school…they were on the road with guns on the ppl children because they want security in the school…come on man

  55. tiny
    February 16, 2012

    for some strange reason i love this guy…..i think we can relate…he’s my type of person

  56. Star
    February 16, 2012

    I am really, really dissapointed at the state of dominica presently. The children are the leaders of tommorow, they are crying out, voicing their concerns and all am hearing is more sucurity? Their is no weight to this statement chief educator..I tell you, Dominica is taking the wrong turn..if our students can’t be safe at school to learn..then we have failed as a government, as a teacher, as a society and as a parent. My days at Isaish Thomas secondary school more than 10 years ago was the best. The best days of a teenager’s life is at school.

  57. olive oil
    February 16, 2012

    Security guards really? Like that’s gonna solve the problem. Why don’t you all put descent teachers in positions and hold parents responsible for their kids actions. All these kids gonna do do is burst the security guards head. Dominican schools was a force to be reckoned with before skerrit came and wrecked it to shreads! These children are badly brought up. If your parents can’t contain with you words then you need to go jail after you’ve assaulted someone. Its a crime to assault or cause bodily injuries to a person. If the teacher had done this to the kid you all would have him up in stockfarm. Restore Dominican school name by removing universal secondary education. These children are becoming just like african american kids no appreciation, no respect, selfish and just plain wicked! You grown ups are in need of serious education about take care of a school system. what a shame!

  58. Tom
    February 16, 2012

    I agree with % Shame! about 30 security guards per school then? Honestly these lazy men/women sitting in air conditioned offices,and who were the worst teachers ever during their teaching career, are more part of the problem than they are part of the solution to what has become of our schools.

  59. Prudence
    February 16, 2012

    Sounds like dealing with the symptom and not the cause. An increase in security guards will not improve attitudes.Instilling fear is not the answer, it should be the building of respect. The hearts and minds of ‘schools’ should be catered to and not incarceration. The raising of walls,and fencing with barb wire will be inevitable if morale is not addressed.

  60. Dom
    February 16, 2012

    Wow, this used to be one of the most prestigous schools someone could attend. Like waiting lists wow. I guess after 1998 things just went south, gone are the good principals like Felix Wilson and others. The pride that you felt wearing that gold and brown tie. Sad story

    • Not a herd follower
      February 16, 2012

      Bring back Felix Wilson!

    • Tickle me
      February 16, 2012

      1989 lol! LMAOL!!! sa mois ka tan -la noh! 1989 was just yesterday.he soviet union fell the wall dividing Germanycame down.All my kds were already born!ol! I am not old but I can’t help but laugh at you 1989 was down hill? hahahhahaha I would say 1979!The country went up & down hill like humpty dumpty Not all the king men could put humpty together again.That’s when jokers like our P.M and all the other jokers were inhigh school and see their quality in comparism to gys of my age group. Tickle us Dom or was it suppose to be dumb?

    • DGS girl
      February 17, 2012

      The principals are not the problem. Wilson left because he himself couldn’t take what was going on anymore. The system is the problem.. well socially our kids are just not the same and then universal secondary education is a nightmare. mrs. JeanJacques (Christian in my time) was a very strict lady. Simeon was also good. They need to get rid of USC.. so many kids reach DGS and they can’t even read at 5th grade level. Comprehension itself is another story. Don’t blame the principals.

      • justmoi
        February 17, 2012

        Getting rid of USC is a step backward. This is not the problem. The offending students should be made to pay for what they did.

    • DMX
      February 17, 2012

      i agree with ya views 100%

      • juice
        February 17, 2012

        make an example out of one student to show authority to the rest it have to start somewhere, security guards is not the only answer to the problem…..parents punish ur children when they do wrong don’t congratulate their misbehavior…we are the society so we are to blame too………act now before somebody die in the act:student or teacher!!!!

    • james
      February 17, 2012

      The pride is still there check our CXC records over the years and not judge the school by one isolated case

    • yes i
      February 17, 2012

      sweety – if Mr. Wilson was there – that could never happen

  61. bambi
    February 16, 2012

    Domnik fini…
    Alas

  62. February 16, 2012

    bring prayer and christianity back into the schools

  63. WoW
    February 16, 2012

    I believe that we are now at a point where all secondary schools should be completely fenced and security placed at each entrance/exit.
    Also these officers,armed with metal detectors, should be given the authority to perform search in bags, pocket,etc of suspicious students.

  64. LANCE bOKIT
    February 16, 2012

    Sounds like saying a lot of nothing if you ask me. But what do i know?

    • Mathew
      February 17, 2012

      How can you say that it is nothing when our students and teachers face to threats daily 1) from external influences and 2)Internal influence…times have change!!! even on school compounds drug transactions takes place offcourse more security is needed

  65. REALLY????
    February 16, 2012

    These children out there telling you people that they want to be in school but they are not safe and all they are going hear is that there will be an increase in security?” REALLY??? Where is the principal of DGS and where the hell are the rest of the government officials????

    • Mathew to Really?
      February 17, 2012

      if the students (prompted by teachers) subject matter is security…then what should be the response? duh offcourse an increase in security is the answer what the principal or government officials do to stop an intruder? lol think!!

    • Anonymous
      February 17, 2012

      I agree with you. They can attack security as well so whats the point? None of these things happened at DGS before they introduced USC. While I do agree that every chiled deserves a chance, there’s no need to keep the bad eggs among those that really wants to learn. A system needs to be put in place eg juvenille center where these kids can get help; and I think the parents should be a part of it because it starts at home.

  66. %
    February 16, 2012

    Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame!….If this is the statement in its entirety,where is the condemnation of what happened? Lord God what is it at all for us in Dominica? Will the security guards be seated in every classroom? So about 30 security guards per school then? Honestly these lazy men/women sitting in air conditioned offices,and who were the worst teachers ever during their teaching career, are more part of the problem than they are part of the solution to what has become of our schools.

    • February 16, 2012

      What do you want, mere words of condemnation, or action?

      The man has decided to install security guards on school campus, what else do you want from him?

      Do you want a bunch of sweet sounding words, and no action!

      That would be shameful, in this case he has nothing to be ashamed about.

    • February 16, 2012

      so you really think that is the statement in its entirety?

      why dont you sthu and go back to listening to the speculation of matt and lennox linton on the hotseat.

      nothing that the education officials say will make a difference anyway. you people have already made up your minds.

    • Lord help us
      February 16, 2012

      I feel your pain. The promise of more security is a real joke. It’s like saying we expect the students to continue the violence towards the teachers so we will facilitate their actions by providing more security. Where is the statement of condemnation? Where is the minister’s voice on the matte? What plans are afoot to help students cope with their anger. Hope do you as a department of education intend to deal with the situation other than placing more security at schools. Are the counsellors at the secondary schools equipped to assist the many students who seem to be going astray? Bring back the JSP into the education system. Lets these young persons use their hands more productively. Everyone cannot and will not achieve in the traditional secondary schools. Go back to the drawing on the matter of USE cause obviously it has begun to change the face of what our secondary education used to be.

    • Denis
      February 16, 2012

      That is a very ridiculous statement. Mr Hyacinth taught me, my four brothers and my wife and quite frankly when teachers thought us to be silly we were given the motivation by this man to continue…So that statement which you have just made is an insult for the many of us who were instructed by this man as the Mahaut Government School!!!

    • Anonymous
      February 16, 2012

      ok papa

    • Mable
      February 17, 2012

      Very bias statemnt this man taught me and typical of domincans to attack the person qualifications and not access the situation effectively

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