Trinidad and Tobago PM defends removal of violent students

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is defending the government’s policy of removing violent and disruptive students from schools to ensure the safety of teachers and well-behaved students. She argued that many students attend classes in fear of being bullied, robbed, or harassed, which negatively impacts their mental well-being and education.

Persad-Bissessar criticized the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association, the National Parent Teacher Association, and the Opposition PNM for failing to protect the school community. She specifically referenced the death of student Jayden Lalchan following alleged bullying as a consequence of failing to address such behavior.

In a message marking the new academic year, the Prime Minister also urged parents to take greater responsibility for disciplining their children at home. She warned that failing to instill respect and responsibility early could lead to future legal consequences and incarceration for their children. She called for a zero-tolerance approach toward harassment and advised educators to contact the police if they face intimidation or abuse.