Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn yesterday condemned the arson attack which destroyed Christ Church Secondary School and warned of the severe penalties that face the perpetrator/s.
In a statement, the ministry said that Benn has considered the alarming number of school fires.
The most recent fire at Christ Church Secondary, which occurred on January 12th, 2023, affected 503 students, 39 teachers and nine ancillary staff, while 397 students, 33 teachers and four ancillary staff at St George’s High School were severely affected on July 20th, 2022.
“The Minister of Home Affairs strongly condemns those trying to wreak havoc and create future weakness and uncertainty within the school system and the nation”, the release said.
The Ministry called on all agencies and citizens to be vigilant to ensure the protection and sustainability of the education sector.
It was pointed out by the ministry that in June 2021, North Ruimveldt Multilateral saw the displacement of 444 students, 40 teachers and five ancillary staff, the same way 610 students, 38 teachers and 11 ancillary staff were affected by the September 2021 North West Secondary blaze.
According to the statement, of the four school fires within the last two years, two were maliciously set by person/persons.
“Minister Benn wishes to remind the public that there are harsh penalties attached to arson attacks, and once identified; the perpetrator/s will face the full brunt of the law”, the statement added.
The use of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, water sprinkler systems and other fire prevention measures is recommended, the ministry said.
