Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang says the Ministry will continue to work with the police and community to in still peace and safety within the Grange Hill Community in Westmoreland.
The Security Minister made the statement yesterday (May 3) during a tour of the school and wider community, after the recent murder of 16-year-old Carson Bennett. He was accompanied by Minister of Education and Youth, the Hon. Fayval Williams, Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake and other senior officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
While addressing the staff and students, Minister Chang noted, "The Ministry of National Security which has responsibility for personal safety and takes it seriously, is here to reassure you, the students and the community that we will do everything in our capacity and powers to prevent any reoccurrence and to prevent any repeat of this activity in Grange Hill”.
He further added: "This government has trained our policemen and we have some very capable police officers and they are going to pursue the individuals and prosecute them and remove them from the street, we'll make every effort".
"I want to reassure the public, your parents and all of you coming to school, that you can come to school safely to pay attention to the work you have to do in your class and come out from Grange Hill a better person, when you get into the world of work or a professional training, not fearful when you walk out of the gate,” Minister Chang said.
The Security Minister noted that the Ministry will continue to leverage the support of its Case Management Officers who have been assigned to Grange Hill, to provide further support to students who have been identified as at-risk.
With the continued support of the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Ministry of National Security continues to utilize a targeted approach to providing the social support that at-risk students need. Grange Hill High School is one of the beneficiaries of the Ministry's Music, Sports and Technology Programme geared towards engaging the students in developing their skills and talents while leading them away from a life of crime. In February 2023, the Ministry donated several musical instruments and sports gear to the school, these included: percussion equipment, trumpets, drums and keyboards along with football and netball gear.
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