WESTERN BUREAU:
A PREFECT at Cornwall College was robbed and stabbed yesterday by men said to be part of an organised criminal gang which has been forcing students to give them money in order to gain safe passage to the school.
The student, Sheldon Fal-coner, was attacked near the police Area One headquarters on Orange Street downtown Mon-tego Bay. He was stabbed in the chest as he attempted to fight off his attackers who also roughed up two of his schoolmates.
Yesterday's attack was the latest in a series of robberies targeting students. (dot)However, vice-principal David Soares said there was no immediate plan to beef up security.
"The police patrol between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Crime is random. I don't think the students here are being targeted and I do not see the need to beef up security," he said.
In addition to the police patrols, five security guards were employed to protect the school.
Less than a week ago, several boys were robbed on the compound of the nearby Mt. Alvernia High School on their way home. Two days before that, a fifth former was robbed on Union Street and only three weeks ago several students leaving the school grounds after the annual sports day were robbed of jewellery and cash at the school gate.
At least one parent has criticised Mr. Soares' position. "The school is flanked by three communities -- Canterbury, Albion Lane and Gully -- and the robbers from these areas have become very brazen. They now await the end of classes to prey upon the innocent students. Our children are just not safe," said a parent who didn't wish to be named.
Sources close to the school believe the perception that the 104-year-old Cornwall College is attended by many students from affluent backgrounds has made it a target for thugs.
Mr. Soares confirmed he has heard of cases of extortion, but said not from the alleged victims themselves.
The school's chairman, George Thomas, said while the administration was mindful of the problem there was little more it could do.
"The school feels the child should be protected on his way, in and after school but protection can only go so far where the school is concerned. The care remains there but our resources are so limited. We cannot go all the way in trying to protect our students off the school compound," he said.
"Cornwall's situation is not unique, this is a problem being faced by all schools near inner cities," he said.
