THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION will have a comprehensive policy on security at schools within the next few months.

Word of this comes from Minister of Education Ronald Jones, in the wake of a break-in at Erdiston Primary School last weekend in which a 32" television and other materials were stolen.

A few weeks ago, classes at St Stephen's Primary were suspended following a break-in, which resulted in a classroom being damaged by fire.

"We are now engaging our minds as to how best we can protect the property of schools – both the infrastructure and what is inside the various schools," Jones said.

He said the ministry was aware of complaints by principals about the time, or lack thereof, guards spent on the job, but the ministry had to focus on the wider issue of security during the day and at night.

"We have to strengthen both the human resource and the electronic and other security resources at the schools," he stressed.

The minister said the situation where people would enter compounds, steal televisions, raid canteens and the like was part of a wider societal issue where people saw schools as vulnerable.

Jones added that training, augmented security from the Royal Barbados Police Force and appropriate technology had to be looked at in trying to safeguard the schools.

"One also has to look at people who congregate within certain metres of the school, whether morning, evening, noon or night.

"Our schools must be protected from elements, many of then nefarious, who really wish the school harm, wish the students harm," he explained.

He said based on the spate of fires and robberies, the ministry knew that the schools had to be protected, but it would take time to do a security study and look at the cost ramifications.

Jones said security across the system was provided by government security guards, private firms and watchmen. (YB)