WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Cheers and laughter erupted at the Grange Hill Primary School in Westmoreland as students and teachers alike welcomed a tour of the institution by Education Minister Fayval Williams accompanied by the security minister and police commissioner.

Observer Online witnessed students running and jumping as Williams did a walk-through at the school amidst a flare up of criminal activities in the volatile community in which it is situated.

Williams told Observer Online that it was important to tour the school to reassure students, teachers, other staff, and parents that they are not forgotten.

She emphasised that there are initiatives for parents and students alike to take advantage of.

“We do have things in terms of providing guidance and counselling for children who have issues,” she stressed.

This initiative, she said, extends beyond school to the family and community as guidance counsellors are expected to engage and identify issues before they escalate and provide probable solutions.

A few weeks ago the institution had to close its doors early as criminal elements issued a threat.

“Parents were very anxious. Parents were very disturbed. Some were careful and decided that they were not taking any chance and so they picked up the children in haste. [They] came in droves and picked them up in quick time,” said the principal Clayton Smith, while speaking with Observer Online on March 12.

READ: Grange Hill Primary dismissed after gunmen reportedly threaten to shoot up school

The school had to resort to their online mode of learning.

However, on Friday there was a semblance of calm and unity as the police, along with other stakeholders visited.

— Kimberley Peddie