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Ministry working with RVIPF to enhance safety in schools – Hon de Castro

November 4th, 2023 | Tags: education Virgin Islands BVI RVIPF police security
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro has reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to keeping schools in the Virgin Islands secured along with maintaining discipline in educational institutions. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Sharie B. de Castro detailed that in collaboration with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) the ministry has started to review and enhance plans, thereby reinforcing our commitment to proactive safety measures in schools. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Sharie B. de Castro detailed that in collaboration with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) the ministry has started to review and enhance plans, thereby reinforcing our commitment to proactive safety measures in schools. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, Hon Sharie B. de Castro has reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment to keeping schools in the Virgin Islands secured along with maintaining discipline in educational institutions.

“As part of our mandate Madam Speaker, schools continue to implement a comprehensive matrix of infractions and consequences, designed to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our school communities. This framework enables us to enforce discipline consistently and fairly, thereby nurturing a culture of responsibility and respect among our students,” she said in an October 31, 2023, HoA statement.

She added that collaborative efforts with school administrators, teachers, and students aim to foster a culture of mutual understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, thereby promoting a safe educational environment for all.

“Madam Speaker, recognizing the unpredictable nature of emergencies, it is imperative that all schools have well-defined incident and emergency plans in place.  Regular drills and training exercises are integral to ensuring that all stakeholders, including teachers, and staff, and students are adequately prepared to respond effectively in the event of an unforeseen circumstance.” 

Plans being reviewed 

As such, the Minister detailed that in collaboration with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) the ministry has started to review and enhance plans, thereby reinforcing our commitment to proactive safety measures in schools.

She said the Ministry has also requested increased patrols of schools and their surrounding areas, and strategic assistance with investigations in matters of extreme infractions as necessary.

“Madam Speaker, in line with our unwavering dedication to maintaining a secure learning environment, the Ministry of Education maintains an absolute zero-tolerance policy towards any form of extreme misconduct. This stance underscores our firm belief that every student, teacher, and staff member have the right to feel safe and protected within the school premises,” Hon de Castro related.

She said the Ministry of Education remains dedicated to providing comprehensive support to every child within the educational system and recognizes the significance of behavioral interventions in nurturing the holistic development of students, provided there is a genuine willingness on the part of the child and their parents to engage in the interventions.  

11 Responses to “Ministry working with RVIPF to enhance safety in schools – Hon de Castro”

  • 2023 (04/11/2023, 13:02) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    some things happen only after something happens we now visiting security in public schools and we all know why(play the tape

    some of those guard rails along our public roads were erected after an accident were some went over the hill

    have u ever driven over Russell Hill) my gracious me….thing 2 talk(I used that public road for the first time yesterday to beat the traffic

    the 13 of them whom were elected by the people need to walk through their various communities and fix our fu&!ng county

    stop going to house of assembly just pass bills or bicker with each other

  • facts (04/11/2023, 13:17) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    Worse Minister of Education ever.
  • one eye (04/11/2023, 13:18) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    The woman is working we re-elected her hands down
  • oh boy (04/11/2023, 13:20) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    This young lady walks on people all the time. She only knows you when she needs you.
    • lodger (04/11/2023, 16:41) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
      I am sick of reading these fake HATER comments by the two persons who are just jealous of minister decastro.

      Funny man you are going to jail take your eyes off the ministry of education you will never get there any time soon
  • IT WASN'T LIKE THAT BEFORE (04/11/2023, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    WHY DO YOU NEED POLICE FOR KIDS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE?
  • resident (04/11/2023, 18:06) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government isn't serious about anything I could easily walk into that school if I wanted to without hopping a fence, the security situation will get someone seriously injured if they don't so something
  • Leave them alone (04/11/2023, 21:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who don't hear does feel. This Minister want to run the Ministry and her political life from social media and by appearing and giving eloquent speeches then quickly disappearing so she does not have to deal with people. Keep it up.
  • No child left behind (05/11/2023, 11:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alternatives should be provided for school age students that have behavioral challenges. Suspending students from school indefinitely does not solve the problem. It simply allows the problem to fester and become a much greater challenge for society.


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