WILLIAMSFIELD, Manchester — Three months before Monday’s fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Akeilia White at the Catholic College of Mandeville here, the Manchester police had conducted a conflict resolution session at the institution.

Head of the Manchester police Deputy Superintendent Carey Duncan made the disclosure on Wednesday during a visit to the college with Education Minister Fayval Williams and Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Crawford.

“It is indeed a very tragic moment for all of us. Conflict resolution is very critical to nation building. I don’t know what influenced a particular decision weeks ago, but this very same institution reached out to us as a police force in the area of resolving conflicts and we responded. We were here on these very grounds, partnering with this institution, trying to enlighten and empower students and the administrative staff as to how to treat with their own conflicts,” he said.

The Jamaica Observer was told that the Manchester police’s Community, Safety and Security Branch previously visited the school on February 13.

“… And to see where we ended up [on Monday] with a very promising young lady being fatally injured and another young injured. Let us not forget the perpetrator, the suspect in this matter also has been impacted in a negative way where the crime is concerned,” said Duncan.

Minister Williams said she is alarmed at the number of reported conflicts in schools.

“Last week in preparation for my sectoral [presentation] when I looked at the critical incidents report from all our schools, it was very sad to see the number of fights in school, out of school, on the way to school, on the way to home. I know that we have it within us as Jamaicans to tackle this issue of violence in school,” she said.

“We are calling on all Jamaicans to join us, so that we can significantly reduce the incidents of violence in our schools. I know we partnered with members of the JCF in a number of different ways within our schools. They are there. They are called school resource officers,” added Williams.

Duncan also called on adults to guide children away from violence.

“It is important that we find more civilised ways to treat with how we deal with conflicts, it is important that the students, our young people [know] how to treat with conflicts,” he said.

“It is important that we as adults set the example, because the crime that is perpetuated here sometimes we say that children live what they learn and it emanates from the communities,” he added.

Crawford called for a united approach in tackling crime.

“We now have to get to the point. We shouldn’t wait until these incidents get to our own doorways. As a people, as a society, we have to become more radical. I think the time has come where we must stop playing the blame game. As political leaders, as lawmakers, we cannot do this alone. The fight against crime and criminality requires a united effort,” she said.

Dr Dianna Davis-Smith, president of the Catholic College of Mandeville, said the school is saddened by Monday’s incident.

“… Our theme is fulfilling dreams and aspirations through education. We have remained faithful to that and despite this blur on our history, our 30 years of existence; we will continue to pursue the fulfilment of dreams and aspirations through education. We recognise that is the way we are going to rescue our country,” she said.

The political, education and security leaders also met with White’s family during the visit.