Among the issues raised by the School Safety Officers were renewal of contracts, no vacation leave, no sick leave, late payment of salaries, non-payment of gratuities and Terms of Reference for short term employment.
Minister Garcia expressed his support for the School Safety Officers and the challenges that they face in carrying out their duties. He said, “I want to let you know from the very beginning, that I empathise and understand your plight and in my capacity as Minister of Education, I am going to do everything possible to ensure that relief is brought to you.”
Minister Garcia, during his address, also praised the School Safety Officers for the critical role they play in reducing the level of school indiscipline and violence. He said, “We have noticed that the incidents of school violence have decreased tremendously and we believe the school safety officers have played a significant role in allowing us to achieve this objective and I want to thank you.”
Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary Lenor Baptiste-Simmons, Chief Education Officer Harrilal Seecharan, Deputy Permanent Secretary Chanwati Sookra, Advisor to the Minister of Education Cheryl Ann-Wilkinson and Assistant Security Manager Lancelot Samuels.
The School Safety Officer Programme was first established in 2004 by former Education Minister Hazel Manning.
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For more information please contact:
Ministry of Education
No. 18 Alexandra Street
St. Clair
Tel: 622-3646