The Ministry of Education has released a statement on the allegations of misconduct by a staff member at the Siparia West Secondary School.

According to the MoE, the matter is being addressed, according to established protocols, by the School Supervision and Management Division (SSMD), and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). The procedures and protocols for investigating matters of this nature are very specific, in the interest of protecting students.

“The investigation into allegations of harassment against a student by a staff member at the school was initiated on Tuesday September 20th, 2022 when a report was made on the matter of alleged inappropriate behaviour.

A report was then made to the Community Police, and the student, along with SSMD personnel, met with the Principal. The student’s parents were asked to come into the school, and on Wednesday, 28th September, 2022, the staff member in question met with the Principal, Vice- Principal, and subsequently, on Friday 7th October, 2022, with officers from the Child Protection Unit (CPU), along with the student, parent and SSSD personnel.

In matters of a sensitive nature such as this one, the Ministry of Education must follow all the protocols and procedures. The relevant reports from the Principal and School Supervisor have been received and are being treated with urgency.

With respect to the report of gangs operating at Siparia West Secondary, the Principal, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association TTUTA representative and School Supervisor have all, in writing, denied knowledge of gang activity at the school.