ORACABESSA, St Mary:With violence escalating in schools recently, one institution faces a grave dilemma. So serious is the plight at the Oracabessa High School in St Mary, that even the police in the community are prepared for the worst at anytime.
According to Corporal Edward Campbell from the Oracabessa Police Station, reports are made to the station regarding one student or the other on a daily basis.
The complaints, he says, range from truancy, to frequent incidents of students attacking each other, as well as teachers, with weapons.
According to reports, whenever there are spot checks at the school, many weapons are recovered, including knives and machetes.
Corporal Campbell expressed how concerned he was about the situation, even as a police officer.
"I believe the worst is yet to come if something is not drastically done about the system there. I believe that one of the reasons why there is so much misconduct at the school is due to the fact that despite a shift system, they still suffer from overcrowding," he said. "Because of this overcrowding, students are not monitored efficiently and effectively by staff members."
Dwindling male teachers
One student said she thinks the reason for the problem is the dwindling numbers of male teachers.
"I believe if the school had more male teachers who could control the boys, the school would be a more disciplined school."
Apart from constant fights and violent misconduct, the latest problem brought to the attention of the police in the community is the fact that students are now making advances on teachers.
According to a teacher at the institution, who preferred to remain anonymous, a student, without fear or respect, pounced on her before making romantic advances. As she revealed, not only was she shocked but fearful that the advances would escalate into serious sexual offences.
Concerned citizens are now making an appeal to all the relevant authorities to address the issues that affect the school.
Ignoring the telltale signs of serious problems, they say, may lead to serious consequences.
- Lisa Lynch
Correction & Clarification
The article in The Gleaner of Saturday, April 19, under the headline ‘Oracabessa High School under threat’ incorrectly stated that the school, located in St Mary, was being affected by escalating violence with even the police expressing concern.
The article also said weapons were often recovered during spot checks at the institution. The Gleaner is satisfied that it is another high school in the parish that is facing these problems. We regret the error and any inconvenience caused to Oracabessa High School.
