EVERTON JONES, principal of the Denham Town Primary School, denied yesterday that his students were involved in last week Friday's stoning of the police station in the community.In an interview with The Gleaner Mr. Jones admitted that his students were involved in similar incidents in 1997 and 2001, however they were not to be blamed for this latest attack.
"When the news reached me that a student was shot, I did not want my school to be involved so I rang the bell and the students (who were at lunch) assembled and were taken to their classes," he said.
He pointed out that one of his students informed him of the shooting and thus he was able to take necessary steps. The students were taken to their classrooms and escorted home by parents and teachers who ensured that they all got home safely.
The shooting being referred to is that of a 14-year-old boy from the adjoining Denham Town High School. He was reportedly shot and injured by the police, an action which sparked the violent confrontation between students and residents on one hand, and the security forces on the other. It was rumoured that the boy had died.
During the stand-off, one man was shot and killed and another injured and two security vehicles set ablaze.
According to the school's guidance counsellor, Eugenie Brown, the perception that the school and police have a hostile relationship is not true.
"We have always had a good relationship with the police in spite of everything," she said.
A number of initiatives including a lunch and breakfast programme for students as well as interactions with the police who frequently visit the school and rap with the students have been effective. Students also frequently go to the station and have lunch.
Mr. Jones said the school has been promoting respect for property and persons and a "do the right" attitude among students.
"Once children are under their parents' control there is not much we can do, but when they are at school and in our care we try to do as much as we can," he stressed.
Editor's Note: We apologise for the editorial reference involving the school in the attack on the police station.
