NSC backs Education Ministry’s anti-crime efforts in schools

The National Security Council (NSC) has pledged its support to the Education Ministry in tackling crime and violence among young people in the territory.

The commitment was made during a meeting on February 5, where the NSC engaged with Education Minister Sharie de Castro and her team.

De Castro provided an update on her recent visit to the United Kingdom, highlighting discussions with the London Violence Reduction Unit and the UK’s Department for Education. These talks focused on strategies to address crime and violence among students in the territory’s secondary schools.

Chief Education Officer Orlandette Crabbe presented current safety and security strategies, including school-based interventions and collaboration with law enforcement and the community. The NSC welcomed the opportunity to discuss various ways to partner with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to reduce the risk of young people engaging in criminal activities.

The Council assured the Education Minister of its support and committed to establishing a joint working group comprising key agencies to advance initiatives ahead of the minister’s upcoming visit to the UK in May 2025.

The collaboration between the NSC and the Education Ministry comes on the heels of recent reports of escalating violence and drug-related incidents in the territory’s schools. Authorities have expressed concern over students consuming substances like ‘Pink Pussycat’, a drug known to induce sexual arousal, leading to inappropriate behaviours among pupils. Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis highlighted the emergence of troubling videos showing students engaging in such activities, urging a collective effort to address the issue.

Additionally, there have been alarming reports of students bringing weapons onto school premises. In one instance, a bullet was found in a student’s bag at Elmore Stoutt High School, prompting discussions about implementing metal detectors to enhance security.