TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (CMC) — The National Security Council (NSC) in the British Virgin Islands has pledged its support to its education ministry in tackling crime and violence among young people in the territory.

The commitment was made during a meeting held earlier this month, where the NSC engaged with Education Minister Sharie de Castro and her team.

The council assured the education minister of its support and committed to establishing a joint working group comprising key agencies to advance initiatives ahead of the minister’s upcoming visit to the UK in May 2025.

The collaboration between the NSC and the education ministry comes on the heels of recent reports of escalating violence and drug-related incidents in the territory’s schools.

Authorities have expressed concern over students consuming substances like ‘ Pink Pussycat’, a drug known to induce sexual arousal, leading to inappropriate behaviours among pupils.

Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis highlighted the emergence of troubling videos showing students engaging in such activities, urging a collective effort to address the issue.

Additionally, there have been alarming reports of students bringing weapons onto school premises.

In one instance, a bullet was found in a student’s bag at Elmore Stoutt High School, prompting discussions about implementing metal detectors to enhance security.