A 34-year-old man from Mayaro is expected to appear in an identification parade today after being held in connection with assaulting eight girls at a Mayaro primary school on Monday. The man, a Community Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Cepep) worker, was cutting grass nearby when he reportedly entered the school during the lunch hour.
The girls, who are aged seven to nine, said the man, brandishing a weapon, made his way into the school and inappropriately touched them before running off. A report was made to the Mayaro police station and based on the description given, a suspect was detained. In light of this incident, the T&T Unified Teachers Association is calling for better security at schools. Lynsley Doodhai, second vice president of TTUTA, said the Ministry of Education has to take heed to ensure the safety of children in their care.
He also called on principals to be extra-vigilant and scrutinise people entering their schools. President of the Primary School Principals Association Valance Rambharat said it was virtually impossible for one security guard to patrol large compounds and there should be at least two guards, along with security aids such as cameras and other devices.