Crime
Alexandra School Stabbing Incident Prompts Concerns About School Violence and Safety
A student at Alexandra School in Barbados was stabbed during an altercation, raising concerns about school violence. Ministry of Education provides support and counseling, urging collective efforts to address the issue.
4 min read
Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
Just a week after the Ministry of Education announced enhanced security measures at the island’s schools, a student at the Alexandra School was stabbed during an altercation on the campus on Monday, halting classes and intensifying concerns about violence in schools.
While specific details about the altercation remain unclear, residents near the Speightstown, St Peter secondary school told Barbados TODAY that police arrived shortly after midday. In a press statement, the Ministry of Education confirmed the injured student was treated at the Maurice Byer Polyclinic and later discharged.
The school was closed at 2 p.m. to allow for investigations but will reopen on Tuesday for a Founders’ Week service celebrating its 130th anniversary. Counselling services will be provided to those in need following the incident, the ministry added.
It is not yet known what weapon was used in the stabbing or the ages of the students involved.
“The ministry remains in close communication with the principal and administration of the Alexandra School, as it continues to provide the necessary support needed for the smooth functioning of the school, in the interest of the safety and security of students, teachers and staff,” the ministry said in its statement.
The stabbing has prompted calls for increased efforts to tackle violence in schools.
President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), Rudy Lovell, condemned the attack, calling for collective action to prevent further incidents.
Lovell said: “This stabbing incident only serves to portray the school in a negative light. Many of our students are making positive strides, and this bad behaviour is unacceptable. Schools should be places of growth, discovery, and safety, not fear. The need to nurture, protect, and guide our youth requires collective responsibility from parents, educators, communities, and leaders alike.
“We must come together, not just in condemnation of this act but in action, ensuring that such incidents do not repeat themselves. Standing united is crucial, as the safety and well-being of our children are paramount and must always be safeguarded.”
Several parents expressed concern over the school’s communication regarding the incident. Tonya Mangal said she only learned about the stabbing when her son informed her during pickup.
“I am scared as hell. I never heard about anything like this happening down here. I feel we should start searching [school bags] at the gate; not just here but at every school,” she said.
