On Thursday, 16th April, 2015, a Principal at one of the Government’s primary schools informed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST), Ministry of Social Services, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force of an incident of sexual misconduct, involving three males and one female student.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology takes matters of alleged sexual misconduct within our schools very seriously and gives priority to such matters. Once an incident is brought to our 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.

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 counseling has already begun and will continue, to ensure that the students are given the necessary medical and psychological attention and treatment.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology wishes to assure the public that we do not condone this kind of behavior from our students and will work closely with parents to ensure children understand what is considered appropriate and inappropriate behavior.

The MOEST seeks to ensure that the children receive the care needed while acknowledging this unfortunate circumstance so as to prevent further incidences from occurring. 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. We wish to note that this matter was brought to our attention as a result of a Family Life Lesson when a Guidance Counsellor was reviewing appropriate touching with students.

As children are involved, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology requests that we be mindful of the emotional well-being of the children and their families.