According to a release from the RSLPF, the Saint Lucia Fire Service responded to the incident. The student sustained two puncture wounds to his buttocks and abrasions to his right arm. The police are currently investigating the incident. National Principals’ Association President, Valerie St.Helen-Henry renews educators’ calls for parents to be more accountable for their children’s whereabouts after school. Although students are still in uniform, she says, they are now their parents’ responsibility.

 “When those students are out there on the streets, they have been dismissed by the school. Although they are wearing the school’s uniform, they are the parents’ responsibility. They have to ensure the children are at home,” St. Helen-Henry says. This call follows that of the Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Kenson Casimir, who urged parents to emulate acceptable characteristics for their children to follow. This was in response to a school brawl involving a female student in school uniform, a young lady, and an adult male.

 The NPA President issues a similar call, urging parents to prevent their children from developing deviant behaviour. “Parents need to take up their responsibility and not wait when there’s a death or murder to come on my television to say “he was a good boy”. Parents, you need to play your part.”

 St.Helen-Henry further appeals to students, encouraging them to dissociate from bad influences. “If you are part of any gang, part of any negative group you need to rethink your actions. We have had a number of homicides out there of young people - this is where they end up. It started somewhere, with them being involved with gangs, with them giving trouble at school.”

 During the last academic year, the Ministry of Youth and Sports indicated that after-school programmes will be created to engage students in constructive activity.