The Ministry of Education is set to appoint 15 school safety officers across Antigua and Barbuda by October, as part of efforts to strengthen security and supervision in schools.
According to the Ministry’s Safe Schools point person, Rolston Nickeo, the officers have been interviewed and are now undergoing background checks with the ONDCP. Once cleared, they will receive training before being deployed.
The officers will support staff during unsupervised times such as lunch and break periods, and join school safety committees. The initiative is part of the broader Safe Schools Policy, introduced in 2017 with regional and international partners, initially focused on disaster preparedness but now expanded to cover security threats, health and environmental safety.
Safe School Assistant Chevaughn Burton said the committee, which includes NODS, the Ministry of Health, CBH and the Disabilities Association, is finalising plans, including outreach during Early Childhood Month. He urged all schools to appoint coordinators, carry out safety drills, and adapt plans to their specific needs.
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Long overdue. Teachers can’t be everywhere at once, so having safe school personnel to help supervise is a big relief.
Good move. Schools should be a safe space for us to learn and enjoy without worrying about fights and stuff like that
Good move. Schools should be a safe space for us to learn and enjoy without worrying about fights and stuff like that
Glad they’re doing background checks. The people in charge of our children’s safety must be trustworthy.
Fifteen officers across the whole island? It’s a start, but I hope more will be added in the future. Our children deserve the best protection.
So one person gonna watch 300+ kids while the teachers go eat?
For years, parents and teachers have raised concerns about what happens during unsupervised periods lunch breaks, after classes, or when staff are stretched thin. By appointing dedicated safe school personnel, the Ministry is showing that it recognizes safety isn’t just about fences and security cameras, but also about having trained eyes and ears on the ground to look out for the wellbeing of students.