The Ministry of Education is set to appoint 15 school safety officers across Antigua and Barbuda by October, as part of efforts to strengthen security and supervision in schools.
According to the Ministry’s Safe Schools point person, Rolston Nickeo, the officers have been interviewed and are now undergoing background checks with the ONDCP. Once cleared, they will receive training before being deployed.
The officers will support staff during unsupervised times such as lunch and break periods, and join school safety committees. The initiative is part of the broader Safe Schools Policy, introduced in 2017 with regional and international partners, initially focused on disaster preparedness but now expanded to cover security threats, health and environmental safety.
Safe School Assistant Chevaughn Burton said the committee, which includes NODS, the Ministry of Health, CBH and the Disabilities Association, is finalising plans, including outreach during Early Childhood Month. He urged all schools to appoint coordinators, carry out safety drills, and adapt plans to their specific needs.
