An incident involving students that turned into utter mayhem in and around the ESHS campus yesterday 9th October, has left students, parents and residents confused based on responses by the management and Ministry responsible for the school.
What the Ministry of Education Is Reporting:
Incident Overview: On the mentioned date, an incident occurred on the campus that involved an alleged retaliation in connection with a stolen bike. During the altercation, one student left the campus premises, prompting our school officials to initiate an immediate investigation. As a result of our evaluation of the situation, a decision was made to contact local law enforcement for assistance.
The authorities were already on campus when the student who had left the premises returned, accompanied by three other individuals on bikes. Notably, one of these individuals was wearing a mask. We would like to clarify that upon the police's arrival and subsequent detainment of these individuals, no firearms or other weapons were found in their possession. The situation was swiftly brought under control in less than 15 minutes.
Parental Communication: In an effort to keep our parents fully informed, the details of the incident were promptly communicated via email and social media. Additionally, we allowed parents who wished to collect their children from school early to do so, prioritising their peace of mind during this time of concern.
Misinformation and Disruption: Regrettably, there has been some misinformation circulating regarding this incident, which has led to unnecessary disruption both on and off the campus. We urge all members of our community to rely on official updates and information from the school administration to ensure the accuracy of the details they receive.
What The National Security Council Is Reporting:
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded immediately to the incident at the school. One person has been arrested and the police remained on campus until the end of the school day. The NSC confirmed with the Ministry of Education that no firearms or other weapons were found in the possession of the individuals or on the campus, although an imitation firearm has subsequently been recovered away from the school premises. The NSC shares the concern over misinformation circulated in relation to what occurred at the school.
The Members of the NSC are keenly aware of the concerns in the community over both events and is determined to support the RVIPF in its work. Following the concerns of the NSC, the Police Commissioner has ordered increased patrols. Additionally, NSC has requested a review of security at the ESHS to be carried out between the RVIPF and the Ministry of Education.
Eyewitness Reports:
Reports are that a fight had taken place among some students with one student leaving and returning to the campus with friends.
Eye witness reports indicate persons on bikes, some wearing masks, and at least one person sited with a gun.
Other eyewitnesses report that the Police pulled a gun on the scene.
There is video footage of students scampering to the gate for safety after what students confirmed to be sounds of a gun.
Did ESHS Mishandle A Deadly Situation:
An email update from ESHS indicated that a situation occurred and was under control. The email said no one was wearing masks.
Two updates from the Rams Media Facebook page attempted to minimize the situation unfolding at the school; even placing an image of a clear area of the school and not entire footage of the campus at the time.
The Ministry’s official response indicated persons were wearing masks, which contradicts the email from the ESHS.
The Ministry’s official response said that the incident was over in 15 minutes, that is also untrue based on the timeline of the event unfolding.
Guavaberry Media (GBM) On Scene:
At 12:16 Monday 9 October, GBM received a call to say a situation was unfolding at the ESHS. The call noted the situation involved students and possibly guns. GBM arrived at the HS 2-3 minutes later and observed Police on the outside and the inside of the campus. A total of up to seven (7) officers. Images were taken and a couple questions asked to security.
At 12:31, GBM issued a report that stated ‘An apparent altercation between 2 students at the ESHS has brought the RVIPF onto the school grounds.’
No reports of guns on the campus was reported by GBM. A scan of other media sites indicated same.
GBM remained on scene and observed about 4 scooter riders ride across the school. A comment made by a police officer in relation to the scooter riders forced GBM to leave the area for safety purposes.
GBM left the scene, came back 10 minutes later and the scene was still very much active. GBM continued to monitor the scene, left and returned once more and observed additional police had now come on scene, GBM observed the arrest of one young man who students confirmed was a part of the incident on the school campus. At this point, parents had arrived at the school requesting the release of their children.
This incident would have now been unfolding for more than an hour, however the Ministry has reported that the incident was over in 15 minutes.
At 1:17pm, GBM issued a further update on what was being reported from the school, which indicated reports of possible guns involved. Word had already spread, not by media houses, that there was a problematic situation at the school and parents arrived to collect their children.
Parents Outraged
Parents have expressed their concerns on the handling of the situation and have expressed extreme concern in what some have called a continued culture of cover up in the Virgin Islands.
Parents have also express concern in the way the matter was handled and have questioned the emergency plan for the ESHS. Other parents feel that school should been dismissed forthwith based on the situation.
However, most parents are disappointed and dismayed in the attempts by the Ministry to minimize what they consider could have been a deadly situation and its impact on the students.
One former Educator said “I'd be among the first to hold our media houses accountable for questionable journalistic practice and reporting, but the "official updates and information" are not always forthcoming, accurate, and reliable either. The official statement blames circulating misinformation for "unnecessary disruption both on and off the campus", emphasising that "no firearms or other weapons were found" in the possession of the apprehended individuals - one student and his two companions (one masked) on bikes. According to the official statement, the incident was "swiftly brought under control in less than 15 minutes" suggesting that the misinformation blew the "incident" out of proportion. I want to share another perspective. I believe this "official" analysis underestimates the trauma that was triggered by the altercation, the individuals on bikes, the masked rider, the police presence. Ask the children. Misinformation or not, what happened at ESHS today reflects the territory's current fragile condition. I believe, that as best as we are trying to cope, our society is in a state of fear and apprehension over the several recent events - apprehensions for guns, ammunitions, drugs, shootings, violent crimes, and inexplicable deaths. We had a horrendous weekend of this and we're expected to return to normal on Monday. It is a fragile time. Many people are in panic mode and our children, our students, our entire school campuses are no exception.