Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
TEACHERS AT Vauxhall High School in east Kingston boycotted classes for a second consecutive day yesterday, protesting against inadequate security at the institution.
Several placard-bearing students converged in front of the school's gate at Windward Road, crying out for justice.
"Students are being threatened, while the females are scared to use the bathroom," said Annette Campbell-Burke, a teacher.
Reports are that thugs from neighbouring communities have been preying on students. The outsiders gain access to the compound by climbing over a damaged wall at the rear of the campus.
DEMANDING ACTION
"We are sticking to our plan. We are staying away from classes until we see people start coming in and show us that they are going to build the wall," said Mrs. Campbell-Burke.
When The Gleaner news team visited the school yesterday, Jamaica Defence Force soldiers and other workmen were seen clearing an area to resume construction of the wall. The stop-start Repairs had started last year.
"The teachers are not going back to classes until we see some really tangible construction taking place," said principal, Angela Chaplain, who has proposed to hold special sessions for students sitting the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams.
Meanwhile, teachers have given assurance that they are willing to do double duty to ensure that students catch up on sessions they have missed.
Violence in the McInytre Land area of east Kingston has not only impacted on Vauxhall, but activities in the community.
Last Sunday a joint police/military operation resulted in the detention of more than 30 persons, five of whom were wanted in connection with crimes committed in the area.
