The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called for the introduction of a law to establish “safe spaces” around schools.

This call comes amid growing concern over the recent surge in violence at educational institutions, following two shocking incidents this morning that put children, educators and the wider school communities in grave danger.

In the first incident, which occurred in Manchester at approximately 8:40 A.M., school bus driver Rohan Gentles, also known as ‘Scooga’, was murdered on the grounds of Holmwood Technical High School.

In St. Andrew, sometime between 8:30 A.M. and 9:00 A.M., a man believed to be a parent was shot dead outside the gate of Rousseau Primary School.

This marks the second such incident at Rousseau Primary School in just a month, following the murder of another parent on October 15, which occurred in full view of students on the school’s premises.

In a statement, Opposition Spokesman on Education, Damion Crawford said these horrifying incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard educational environments and protect everyone who accesses them.

He urged the government to take immediate and comprehensive action to protect the nation’s children and school staff from violent crimes.

Mr. Crawford further called for the introduction of a new law to establish “safe spaces” around key institutions such as schools, hospitals, and transport terminals.

He proposed that these safe spaces mandate scheduled police patrols, ensuring a consistent and visible law enforcement presence.

Furthermore, he suggested that any crime committed within a 400 meter radius of these safe spaces be subject to significantly harsher penalties, aimed at deterring criminal activity near these critical facilities.

Mr. Crawford emphasized that the safety of children is paramount and that the government must also prioritize the security of dedicated teachers and school staff, who deserve to work in environments free from violence and fear.

He called on the government to ensure that the perpetrators of today’s murders are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

Mr. Crawford concluded by saying that stakeholders must unite to protect the nation’s children, educators, and communities from harm. He added that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not places overshadowed by fear and danger.