Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, says the drill was carried out in order to prepare the students of this all-girls school for a possible school shooting. However, students were not informed prior, causing mass confusion and panic. Some students reportedly suffered asthma attacks, whilst others say they were traumatised. Archer-Bradshaw says the Ministry sympathises with parents who believed their children were in actual danger.

The Barbados Youth Development Council has since released a statement, condemning the exercise. “It is clear that the rights of these Barbadian girls have been severely impacted by this recent event, and we are called upon to take immediate action to rectify these wrongs. We passionately advocate for the protection of our children, including these girls who represent the future of our nation,” the BYDC statement read in part.

This latest drills forms part of many emergency drills schools have been undergoing in Barbodos.