UNC MP wants stronger Student Support Services Division

  • Oct, Tue, 2024

Lead Editor-Newsgathering

chester.sambrano@guardian.co.tt

Following the death of Jayden Lalchan, who ended his own life on October 3, Tabaquite MP Anita Haynes-Alleyne has revealed that she has met with several families seeking assistance to address bullying in schools.

“Unfortunately, recurrent challenges include the lack of action taken by school administrators and the unavailability of student support resources. This is why I continue to advocate for a stronger Student Support Services Division (SSSD),” she said.

In a statement yesterday, the Shadow Minister for Education emphasised, “When I say we need to make our schools safe spaces, it applies to all areas. I’ll say it again, we need to implement targeted interventions at the level of the curriculum, for all schools. We must introduce emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills. We must also create safe spaces in each school for students to seek refuge in the event of bullying, threats or worry for their safety. Moreover, we must implement a strict no-tolerance bullying policy which ensures offenders face consequences for their actions .”

The Tabaquite MP added, “While I commend the SSSD for doing a great deal with very little resources, I call on the Minister of Education to make the required resources available to this very critical support unit.”

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Mayaro, Rushton Paray said the issue regarding Jayden’s death had hit home for him as a former student of St Stephen’s College.

Speaking in the Lower House of Parliament during the 2024/2025 Budget debate yesterday, MP Paray said the matter weighed heavily on his heart over the weekend.

“Jayden was a bright promising student and his untimely death, allegedly stemming from the horrendous act of bullying, reminds us of the urgent need to protect our children and create environments where they feel safe, valued and supported,” he said.

Paray said Jayden’s passing should serve as a wake-up call for all, especially in addressing the pressing issue of bullying in schools.

“We must ensure that no family endures such a tragedy again Madam Speaker. May Jayden’s soul rest in peace and may his memory inspire us to make the necessary changes to protect the lives and futures of our nation’s children,” Paray said.

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