Investigation Into Allegations Of Misconduct Ongoing At Siparia West Secondary School

The Ministry of Education says allegations of misconduct by a staff member at the Siparia West Secondary School, is being addressed.

It explains this is being done according to established protocols, by the School Supervision and Management Division and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

In a media release on Tuesday, the Ministry said the procedures and protocols for investigating matters of this nature are very specific, in the interest of protecting students.

It said the investigation into allegations of harassment against a student by a staff member at the school was initiated on September 20th, 2022 when a report was made on the matter of alleged inappropriate behaviour.

A report was then made to the Community Police, and the student, along with SSMD personnel, met with the Principal.

The student’s parents were asked to come into the school, and on September 28^TH, 2022, the staff member in question met with the Principal, Vice- Principal, and subsequently, on October 7^th, 2022, with officers from the Child Protection Unit, along with the student, parent and SSSD personnel.

With respect to the report of gangs operating at Siparia West Secondary, the Ministry said the school’s Principal, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association TTUTA representative and School Supervisor have all, in writing, denied knowledge of gang activity at the school.