The St Lucia Teachers’ Union (SLTU) is demanding urgent and long-term measures to address what it calls an alarming rise in violence and bullying across the island’s schools.
The call comes after a recent incident at a secondary school where a parent allegedly confronted a student with a firearm over bullying accusations. SLTU President Vern Charles issued a statement condemning the escalation of aggression in educational settings, citing verbal and physical assaults on students and teachers, peer violence and persistent in-person and online bullying.
“These incidents are not isolated,” Charles said. “This climate of aggression is disrupting learning, it is traumatising students and staff and eroding the core values of our education system.”
She emphasised that the union firmly believes “no educator or student should feel unsafe at school,” adding that “schools must be sanctuaries of learning and growth, not battlegrounds.”
The SLTU urged a coordinated national response involving key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, law enforcement, parent-teacher associations and community leaders.
Charles outlined several proposed actions:
- Strengthening school security and enforcing safety protocols.
- Implementing comprehensive anti-bullying policies.
- Expanding mental health and counselling services in schools.
- Introducing behaviour management programs focused on conflict resolution and emotional intelligence.
- Fostering deeper engagement with parents and the wider community.
She also stressed that school violence mirrors wider societal issues, underscoring the need to tackle root causes alongside immediate responses to incidents.
“The SLTU stands in solidarity with all affected students and teachers and will continue to advocate… for their safety, dignity and right to a secure learning environment,” Charles said.
The union reiterated its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders on a national strategy prioritising safety, accountability and respect in schools.
Authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the reported altercation involving the parent and student.
To be Frank it’s annoying to hear educators speak about violence like they’re powerless to affect change when they hold all the power necessary to transform a nation. “All violence stems from ignorance” so it tends to reason the cure is education. Conflict resolution should be mandatory in all schools from grade 1 (6years) to grade 12 (18years). Understanding how to resolve conflict without violence or abuse from a tender age is the key to creating a more accepting society but since St.Lucians fail to understand that simple concept and haven’t taken the basic steps to start the process we are at least 50 years away from seeing change assuming we start today.
@ concern you are right these departments are often undeserved their purpose they want to cry to serve their own agenda. To think of it all a blog is a half sentence
“All violence stems from ignorance”, really? A little more thought process would certainly be beneficial before issuing such a blanket statement. This statement is so far fetched it is not worth any further comment!
SMH. No wonder the schools hv so much issues. SLTU doing just like their employers – the govt, coming out with a statement. No Action. Just Talk Talk. Chooppss tan.
Ministers bullying the population
Those in position bullying to get to the top.
Our society is a reflection of the leaders. The degradation of our education sector, public sector started when we allowed Kennny to bully us and put Public Servants on contract. A Tool to Bully employers to do as they please.
No one sees it but our roads too hv Bullying. Mini Bus drivers, truck drivers bully other drivers especially at intersection. As loong as we hv those Bullies heading our govt sector we doomed.
The individual should have been arrested. Bullying is unacceptable but that’s not the way to handle the issue. What if the gun had discharged????
La verdad, you are right to say Ministers bullying the population. Some of them calling us mendicants , and even pigs and dogs. So I strongly support your statement.