KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson for Education, Senator Damion Crawford has accused the Government of failing to effectively respond to the escalating violence among students within the nation’s schools.

He also charged that despite efforts by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) to engage in constructive dialogue and provide viable solutions, the Government has ignored repeated calls for action and recommendations put forward by the PNP.

Crawford made the accusations in an open letter to Education Minister Fayval Williams on Thursday.

“The lack of progress in implementing concrete solutions is unfortunate and poses a grave risk to the safety and well-being of our children. We reiterate our proposals for urgent consideration by the Government and relevant stakeholders and call on you, Madam Minister, to convene a meeting with both our teams to search for solutions,” Crawford said.

Crawford’s concern follows last week’s fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Raniel Plummer just outside of the school gates of Irwin High in St James after classes were dismissed for the day.

READ: UPDATE: 14-y-o Irwin High student charged with murder of schoolmate granted bail

In recent weeks, there have been several brawls among students in public spaces, with several sustaining serious injuries. The principals of five prominent Corporate Area high schools were forced to issue a joint statement denouncing violence after students of the various schools clashed over several days at various locations, including the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre.

READ: ‘Unacceptable’ – Principals condemn students’ street brawl, promise disciplinary action

Minister Williams has since issued a statement expressing concern that violence is being normalised among the nation’s children.

READ: Education minister concerned violence is being normalised in nation’s children

However, calling for more to be done by the Government, Crawford made the following recommendations:

1. The establishment of departments of socialisation in all public schools, led by guidance counsellors and staffed by trained form teachers;

2. Ensuring adequate adult supervision during non-class interactions, particularly during lunchtimes and after school;

3. Engaging the police force to implement after-school mobile patrols in school areas;

4. Rethinking the role and remuneration of form teachers to incentivise their commitment to student well-being;

5. Providing comprehensive training for educators in behaviour modification and intervention strategies;

6. Increasing the number of deans of discipline and guidance counsellors to improve student support services;

7. Implementing staggered lunch and dismissal times to enhance supervision and reduce risk;

8. Revising detention practices to focus on long-term intervention and peace education;

9. Offering special summer programs for students prone to violence;

10. Equipping schools with closed-circuit cameras for enhanced security;

11. Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to violence and promoting positive behaviour;

12. Rewarding good behaviour and encouraging community involvement;

13. Exploring the establishment of reform boarding schools and increasing mental health support;

14. Creating a department of volunteerism to engage community mentors;

15. Organising weekend peace education programs involving parents and guardians;

16. Implementing a big brother/sister program to support at-risk students; and

17. Promoting school attachment through cultural activities and values education.

Crawford also urged Williams to prioritise the safety and well-being of students by taking immediate action on these recommendations noting that “it is imperative that we work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students to thrive”.