Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC is defending the government’s position on the removal of violent and disruptive students from schools.
In a statement on Tuesday, she invited those who oppose the removal of such students to consider taking them into their own homes and dealing with the challenges themselves.
The Prime Minister says students should be able to attend school in a safe environment, without fear of being beaten, robbed, harassed or bullied.
She also pointed to the case of 15-year-old Jayden Lalchan, who died by suicide after reportedly experiencing prolonged bullying and abuse at St Stephen’s College in Princes Town.
The Prime Minister accused TUTTA, the NPTA and the PNM of failing to adequately address violence in schools and criticised opposition to the use of police to protect teachers and students.
She says the government is standing up for the safety of teachers and children and for students’ right to an education free from violence and intimidation.