Education ministry condemns brawl involving Pembroke Hall students

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information expresses deep concern following reports of a violent altercation today involving students of Pembroke Hall High School.

The incident, which occurred off the school compound, is currently under investigation by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Early reports indicate that a brawl broke out between students, with at least one student sustaining visible injuries, including a bloody face. Video footage of the incident has been circulating online, causing widespread public concern.

Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, strongly condemned the violence.

"This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges we face in fostering a culture of peace and respect among our youth. Violence in any form is unacceptable, and the ministry remains committed to implementing comprehensive measures to address this troubling trend," said Minister Morris Dixon.

In response, the ministry has ramped up its teaching of conflict management skills, public education initiatives including ongoing anti-bullying campaigns on social media platforms. These campaigns aim to raise awareness about the consequences of violence and promote positive interactions among students.

Minister Morris Dixon urged all stakeholders to take an active role in supporting these initiatives.

"We call on parents, guardians, and school staff to continue working with us to reinforce a zero-tolerance approach to violence. Our children deserve to learn in environments free from fear and hostility," she said.

The Pembroke Hall High School is collaborating with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation of today's incident and to determine appropriate actions against those involved. Additional support, including counselling services, will be made available to affected students.

The ministry remains resolute in its mission to create safe and nurturing learning environments across the island.