The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has launched a National Schools Firearm Management and Response Protocol to strengthen efforts to prevent gun violence and keep weapons out of schools.
Described by the ministry as the first of its kind in the Caribbean, the protocol establishes standard procedures for prevention, early intervention, emergency response and recovery after an incident.
The document was launched on Monday, October 26, at the ministry’s National Heroes Circle office as part of School Safety Week activities.
Permanent Secretary Dr Kasan Troupe said its development involved consultations with principals, teachers, guidance counsellors, students, parents and other education stakeholders.
Agencies contributing to the process included the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, the Firearms Licensing Authority and the Children’s Advocate. International partners also provided support.
Troupe said the guidelines will help stakeholders understand their responsibilities and coordinate their actions. She noted that the document will be refined as implementation reveals additional needs.
National Coordinator for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, who led its development, said the protocol addresses risks involving both legally held and illicit firearms.
He highlighted the danger of children gaining access to licensed weapons belonging to parents, noting that such incidents have resulted in deaths.
Stakeholder sensitisation will follow the launch, and digital copies of the protocol will be made readily available.
According to figures presented, approximately 247 minors were reported to have been in conflict with the law for firearm-related offences between 2019 and 2024. Boys accounted for 90 per cent of that number.
The ministry also received reports of 68 critical incidents between September 2022 and June 2023.
Charlemont High School student Nevia Williamson designed the protocol’s cover illustration after winning an artwork competition.
School Safety Week is being observed from October 25 to 30.
Advertise with McKoy’s News!
🚀 Boost Your Business with McKoy’s News! 🚀
Let us help you grow your brand with our comprehensive advertising solutions:
Create Your Own Business Page:
Showcase your business with a personalized page on McKoy’s News. Highlight your products or services with multiple photos, contact information, and detailed descriptions.
Engaging Banner Ads:
Capture attention with visually stunning banner ads that promote your brand across our website, reaching a large audience with every click.
Dynamic Video Ads:
Tell your story with impactful video advertisements, designed to engage viewers and drive traffic to your business.
Feature Articles:
Gain credibility and visibility with feature articles on McKoy’s News. Share your success stories, latest offerings, and expert insights with our readers.
Ready to Elevate Your Business?
Contact us today and let McKoy’s News be your partner in success.
Follow us on social media
Related posts:
New SIM Card on Maitland’s Phone Shows Activity Before Arrest
14-Year-Old Boy Dies After Car Crash on Chapleton Road
Cable Vandalism Disrupts Flow Internet Services in New Kingston
St Andrew Developer Acquitted of Fraud Charges
Patriots Star Stefon Diggs in Legal Trouble
Indecom Confirms 12 Fatalities From Security Force Shootings in First Week of 2026