Ensuring School Safety: A Call to Action for Golden Grove Primary and Beyond

Ensuring School Safety: A Call to Action for Golden Grove Primary and Beyond

The recent security breach at Golden Grove Primary School, where an armed individual allegedly entered the premises intending to assault a student, is a chilling reminder of our schools’ vulnerability. Though no harm was done, this incident highlights a glaring weakness in our security systems—one that we cannot afford to ignore.

Schools must be sanctuaries of learning, not places of fear. In the U.S. and across the Caribbean, proactive measures have been taken to safeguard students, yet here, an individual was able to walk onto a school compound unchecked. This is not just an oversight—it is a failure that puts children and educators at risk. We must act before tragedy strikes.

Strengthening Security Without Creating Barriers

Ensuring school safety does not mean turning our schools into high-security zones, but it does require structured and immediate action. Here’s what must be done:

 1. Controlled Entry Points – Every school must have a single, well-monitored entrance, with strict security checks to prevent unauthorized access.

 2. Mandatory Screening & Identification – Visitors should be screened through metal detectors, bag checks, and sign-in protocols, and must wear ID badges.

 3. Increased Security Personnel – Trained officers should be stationed at all schools, particularly in vulnerable areas.

 4. Enhanced Perimeter Security – Surveillance cameras, fencing, and locked gates must be maintained to keep intruders out.

 5. Emergency Response Training – Students and staff should be trained in lockdown drills, with direct police coordination for rapid response.

 6. Community & Parental Involvement – Security is a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, and local officials must work together to ensure these measures are implemented effectively.

A Call to Action for Minister Daryl Matthew

This incident cannot be dismissed as an isolated event—it is a warning that must be taken seriously. I am calling on Minister of Education Daryl Matthew to take immediate action by:

 • Conducting a comprehensive security audit of all schools.

 • Deploying trained security officers to high-risk institutions.

 • Investing in critical security infrastructure such as surveillance systems, fencing, and controlled access points.

 • Implementing clear emergency protocols in collaboration with law enforcement.

Minister Matthew, our children’s safety is non-negotiable. No parent should fear for their child’s well-being at school. This is your moment to lead—to protect our students, support our teachers, and restore confidence in our education system.

As a community advocate for St. John’s Rural South, I will continue to push for these changes. There is only one school in this constituency, and it is my duty to ensure it remains a safe space. But this is bigger than one school—this is about safeguarding the future of our nation.

We must act now. Let’s come together, demand action, and make our schools the safe havens they were meant to be.

Jermaine N. Edwards

Community Advocate, St. John’s Rural South

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]