JTA President Mark Malabver says settling disputes with violence should not be accepted as the norm

President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association Mark Malabver says too many young people believe that disputes must be settled with violence, and this should not be accepted as the norm.

He made the statement in response to the death of a student at the Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann last week.

16-year-old Devonie Shearer was attacked by his schoolmate at the institution and died at the hospital.

The attacker has been taken into custody.

Mr. Malabver says the tragedy calls for reflection.

He notes that children should also learn emotional intelligence, empathy, restraint and respect for human life in the classroom.

Mr. Malabver was speaking at the JTA’s post-Melissa National Thanksgiving Service yesterday.