Two days after a parent allegedly confronted a student with a firearm on the compound of a secondary school in Castries over a bullying-related issue, education stakeholders are speaking out forcefully on the deepening crisis of school violence and intimidation.
In the wake of the alarming incident, the Saint Lucia Teachers Union (SLTU) has issued a strong call for immediate and sustained national action to address what it describes as a disturbing surge in violence and bullying across schools.
“These incidents are not isolated,” said SLTU President Vern Charles in a statement issued Thursday. “They are part of a troubling trend that includes verbal and physical attacks on teachers and students, peer-on-peer violence, and persistent bullying both in person and online.”
The union stated that such a climate of aggression is disrupting the learning process and deeply traumatizing both students and educators. “Teachers cannot teach, and students cannot thrive in an environment where fear and intimidation are becoming normalized,” Charles emphasized. “Schools must be sanctuaries of learning and growth—not battlegrounds.”
The SLTU is now calling for a coordinated national response that includes:
The strengthening of school security and stricter enforcement of safety protocols
Comprehensive anti-bullying policies
The expansion of mental health and counseling services in schools
Behaviour management programs to teach emotional intelligence and conflict resolution
Active involvement of parents, community leaders, and law enforcement
“Violence in schools reflects broader societal challenges,” Charles noted. “It is not enough to treat the symptoms—we must also address the root causes.”
The Teachers Union said it stands ready to collaborate with the Ministry of Education, parent-teacher associations, and other national agencies to develop and implement a strategy that prioritizes safety, accountability, and respect in all learning environments.
“The SLTU stands in solidarity with all affected students and teachers,” the statement concluded. “We will continue to advocate fiercely for their right to a secure, dignified, and supportive educational experience.”
