Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) president Martin Lum Kin is calling on parliamentarians and stakeholders to put aside their differences and address crime and violence, especially as it pertains to children.
Lum Kin made the comment in response to a video of children from the Chaguanas North and South Secondary school kicking and punching a panel van filled with other children that was shared on social media this week.
Another video linked to it showed the driver of the panel van showing broken windows caused during the attack by the school children.
Reports suggest the children were attacking the bus because another student they were seeking to beat up was inside.
“We are calling on the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Opposition and all other politicians and stakeholders, let us put aside party politics. And let us come together and find a solution to this scourge that is affecting our nation and our schools.”
Lum Kin said in order to save the nation’s children, egos must take second place to what needs to be done.
“We also take note of the level of violence and the level of anger and the actions that take place presently amongst our students. There has to be a national intervention, not only at school, but this is a national issue that has to be addressed in all forms and fashion,” he said.
“We simply cannot say that now, it is only up to the schools to deal with this. We have to go further to that, there are a number of agencies, faith-based agencies and non-governmental organisations. These agencies and NGOs that need to start intervention not only at the school level but on the community level at national level as well.”
Lum Kin said although the incident took place outside school, the perpetrators were in school uniform and TTUTA is concerned. He condemned the actions of the children, adding that he hopes the police complete their investigations and bring to justice those involved. He said all necessary agencies should act against the children, as they went beyond a school brawl to damaging property.