NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The Bahamas Government Tuesday said it viewed sexual misconduct within schools “very seriously” as it investigates an allegation of an incident of sexual misconduct involving four students including one female.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) said it had recently been informed by a principal of an unidentified primary school of the incident on April 16. It said the report was also made to the police.
“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology takes matters of alleged sexual misconduct within our schools very seriously and gives priority to such matters,” it said, adding that once an incident is brought to its attention “the protocols and procedures as set out by the Safe Schools Protocol, Manual for Public Schools, are immediately followed to ensure that the matter is addressed and all stakeholders are notified.
“In this instance, the MOEST is satisfied that the right protocols were followed and the relevant stakeholders have been informed and are engaged in the investigations. The parents of all students have been contacted and informed of the alleged misconduct. Education officials, Social Services, School Psychological Services as well as the police have all been notified and each is carrying out its respective duties,” MOEST said.
It said that the students are being closely monitored and the alleged victim has been removed from having direct interaction with those involved.
“The MOEST wants to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the students and aggressive counselling has already begun and will continue, to ensure that the students are given the necessary medical and psychological attention and treatment.”
The Government said that it wanted to assure the public that it does not “condone this kind of behaviour from our students and will work closely with parents to ensure children understand what is considered appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
“The Ministry of Education will continue to place emphasis in our Family Life lessons, where the curriculum provides; to educate our children on “inappropriate touching” especially among our younger primary students.”
