BVI News

Education Ministry calls out ‘misinformation’ after ESHS fracas

Students at the newly renovated Elmore Stoutt High School in Lower Estate.

The Education Ministry has expressed regret at the level of misinformation that circulated after an incident at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) led persons to believe there were armed individuals on the campus.

“Regrettably, there has been some misinformation circulating regarding this incident, which has led to unnecessary disruption both on and off the campus,” the Ministry said in a statement.” We urge all members of our community to rely on official updates and information from the school administration to ensure the accuracy of the details they receive.”

Inaccurate reports that armed individuals were among students on the campus resulted in mass panic and hysteria and caused parents to rush to the school in droves to take their children away from the campus.

The ministry’s position was echoed by ESHS Principal, Vanessa Garraway who told parents that the media erroneously reported active shooters being on campus, based on videos that were shared by persons who had no factual evidence.

“At this time, we want to reassure all parents that lunch was shortened to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” Garraway said in a letter to parents. “In the future, while we appreciate your concern, we ask that you kindly rely on factual information released by the school’s administration and the Ministry of Education.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry said the fracas at the school involved retaliation over allegations of a stolen scooter.

“During the altercation, one student left the campus premises, prompting our school officials to initiate an immediate investigation. As a result of our evaluation of the situation, a decision was made to contact local law enforcement for assistance,” the Ministry explained.

According to officials, the student who left the premises returned, accompanied by three other individuals on bikes. While one of the individuals was wearing a mask, the Ministry denied that any firearms or weapons were found in their possession once police arrived on the scene and detained those involved.

“The situation was swiftly brought under control in less than 15 minutes,” the ministry said.

The Ministry further noted that parents were kept informed throughout by social media posts and by email. “Additionally, we allowed parents who wished to collect their children from school early to do so, prioritising their peace of mind during this time of concern,” the Ministry added.

Share the news

Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

20 Comments

Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users.

  1. Video evidence v Official school statement. says:

    I know which I believe!

    Like 13
  2. She has to go says:

    Syndee with her fake news caused all this

    Like 7
    Dislike 7
  3. Salty Fish says:

    Which to believe? Our honest, upstanding, elected officials, or our politically aligned, agenda driven media? In all honesty a very tough choice.

    Yet both entities have the audacity to treat the public like ignorant sheep that should accept being spoon fed information without questioning.

    Those days are long gone now! Not one of you do I trust without first asking a lot of questions myself. It is amazing how much contradictory stuff then comes out!

  4. TOO MANY LIES EMITTING says:

    A PHOTO HAS EMERGED WITH A POLICE HOLDING A GUN

  5. Pure facts says:

    The point is that ESHS and the education system are in tatters in the BVI. We have a youngster who was a struggling teacher and never managed anything in her life as the minister. While the school is a mess she is on a joy ride to Singapore with her bestie the Acting Chief Education Officer. When they come back you will hear all sorts of fancy things to justify their 60k joy ride.

    Like 14
  6. @ she has to go says:

    Keep trying Wiggy! Hahahahahaha!

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  7. @she has to go says:

    Go and sit your fake $2.00 bill a!! down about Syndee caused all of this, if you were in my face and said something so stupid, I would have B…h slap your dumb self all the way to Norman Island. And guess what, while I’m slapping your A.. across the water I guarantee I will not get wet. Can’t stand stupid ignorant people.

    Like 3
    Dislike 1
  8. Liarsss says:

    The kids saw the officer drew his gun from his waist… why would they lie and the pic is circulating. ESHS and the Ministry was very insensitive about how the kids felt or should feel and that’s says a lot.

  9. Liarssss says:

    Yes the kids didn’t had a weapon but why the officer drew his gun????? QTNA STOP LYING AND PLAYING AROUND PPL CHILDREN

  10. Da real Quincy Jones says:

    Let’s analyze this thesis, when a Fight or conflict unfolds, The Kids would run to it. So, why were they fleeing and running from it— JTV saying it’s a fake gun? I Wanto know Where do you even purchase a plastic weapon?
    And why would grown adults be using plastic gun to chase big kids,

    STOP FOOLING THE PARENTS AND THE PUBLIC; WE ARE NOT DUMMIES. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, STOP IT. STOP IT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. YALL FAILED AND WERE UNABLE AND accurately communication THE seriousness of the situation that ensued.

  11. Rubber Duck says:

    I certainly don’t believe the official statement – delivered whilst the f**led school teacher Minister is living up life in Singapore at the public expense. Why did she fly first class?
    Nor do I believe anything that lying Sindee says.

    Like 2
    Dislike 1
  12. Don’t sweat it says:

    We might be stupid but not that stupid. don’t listen to that frumpy looking prison matron BS. I agree, stop fooling THE PUBLIC AND THE PARENTS WITH the lies. What I suggest is she had better start brainstorming and figure out how you as Education Minister is going to keep the students safe. You are responsible for those student while they are in school. Suppose the gun that the police had in his hand had discharge and struck a student. Ain’t no parent want to hear I’m sorry or excuses after the fact.

  13. Styles. says:

    The Education minister owes us thousands of dollars as she just handed it to her friends and family.

    THE Education minister is co****t.

    Pay back the money or leave.

  14. lillian says:

    they always want to cover a lot of cases happening in this place theres nothing you all can hide soon will come to the light !!!

  15. BuzzBvi says:

    Why would we imagine the Government will give us real info. Nobody liten tobthebCOI

  16. Reality says:

    The reality is that there are far too many people in the BVI that LOVE NEGATIVITY but get on social media pretending to give a f**k about what’s going on. The media coverage of the school incident was completely out of order and they have no shame!! Do you realize how many of them are backtracking now saying yes there were guns because the Police had guns? Was that the initial story? NO! They give the impression that a mad man was on the loose with a gun putting the entire Territory in panic mode, especially parents/guardians/loved ones. It’s irresponsible but typical BVI, no rules and regulations, everyone can do what the f**k they want with no repercussions.

  17. No where to run or hide says:

    EVERYONE IS GETTING EXPOSED FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.

  18. @@she has to go says:

    How about the “divide and conquer” group/bunch. Do you see and recognize them when they there?

    This and the other news site are the daily homes. Their foot print is clearly seen in and on alnost every comment.

    Appears the rd. white and blue site also has a staff/crew designated to blog and otherwise influnce and add thumbs up or down to their ccalculated comments.

    This has been evident for such a long time now.. Hence, what the nation thinks it is getting as genuine responses reporting, are mere personalized, hyperbolized and even hypocritical journalism..

  19. Quietly Watching says:

    I don’t know if in this case one can blame Cindy or the Media. What I saw that alerted me to what was going on was a thirty-four second video that started with the person taping or next to the persons taping, saying: “Gun in your s… They have a gun.” And then to top it off the children were running as if they were running away from a serious threat, some of them tearing brass. That set the tone and came from the inside. So what was the Media to do if the students or teachers or security or whoever taped the duggone video, someone on the inside, said there was a gun on campus? I would want to know so I can go and get my child in case there is any truth to that. I’m sorry. I see it a different way. If the children were mistaken, well they thought so, so better safe than sorry. I am sure most parents reacted to that video and not the Media coverage after the fact.

  20. @ @ SHE HAS TO GO says:

    you got that right , he left his trademark and HERE again in his responce to you as ( @ @ has to go )which further exposes his hypocrisy , he needs to keep his narcissistic mentality on his throne on the yello site , to himself and do us all a favor and start thinking positive for a change

Leave a Comment