The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) is renewing its call for school security to be ramped up. This follows a shooting at the Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann, yesterday.

One student was wounded, and another is in custody.

Reports are that at about 12:45 PM, a group of students was in a classroom. A 14-year-old male student took out a Glock pistol which he allegedly brought to school to show to his classmates.

While showing off the firearm, it went off, hitting a 12-year-old girl in the thigh. The girl was taken to hospital and admitted in serious, but stable condition.

The weapon was seized, and the boy was taken into custody. Police are investigating the origin of the gun.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, JTA president Leighton Johnson, said yesterday’s incident highlights the need for increased security in schools.

Noting other recent issues of safety in schools, the JTA president said schools must be allowed to employ external security personnel.

He also wants more school resource officers to be deployed and for security protocols in schools to be overhauled.