Holness

As the new school year begins today, Education Minister Andrew Holness has warned that violence in school will not be tolerated.

In his back-to-school address to the nation last night, Holness said his ministry was taking a zero- tolerance approach to the possession of weapons and drugs, and the existence of gangs in schools. "Parents should take careful note that students found in possession of offensive weapons will be referred to the juvenile criminal justice system, regardless of their intent," said Holness.

The education minister said the ministry was pursuing a memo-randum of understanding with the police to have regular searches of school premises and students where there is reasonable cause.

Meaningful discussion

"I can only encourage parents to engage their children in meaningful discussion on these issues and take greater interest in their behaviour at school. We intend to have a peaceful school year," he said.

Meanwhile, Holness reminded administrators that auxiliary fees were not mandatory.

"The policy of the Government is that there should be no fee or charge that would act as a barrier to education. In keeping with this policy, the Government removed compulsory tuition fees to parents and absorbed the cost," he said.

Holness said some schools, that were affected by Tropical Storm Gustav remain inaccessible, which may affect the return of some students to school.