The Ministry of Education and Youth has expressed disgust with the incident at Kingston Technical High School, where at least five boys were left nursing stab wounds, following an eruption of violence at the Hanover Street-based school yesterday.

"It is getting very bad. Sometimes we are at a loss as to what to say," Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister in the Ministry of Education and Youth, told The Gleaner yesterday.

He added, "Students who commit criminal acts will have to be dealt with by the police, and I have no objection because they have to realise that school is a place for learning."

More assertive

Senator Monteith said his ministry will have to be more assertive in detecting students who carry weapons to school.

"But until that is resolved they will have to pay the price," he said.

There have been calls from stakeholders in the education sector for the ministry to implement metal detectors in schools. Senator Monteith said the ministry may have to take another look at this proposal.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) said it supports principals who take strong action against indiscipline in schools.

"The association believes that in instances where stated rules are repeatedly flouted by students, that principals have not only a responsibility but also a duty to implement strong, decisive and corrective measures to ensure the smooth operations of their schools," the JTA said.

- P.F.