By RHONDOR DOWLAT Tuesday, February 9 2010

OFFICIALS from the Education Ministry are investigating an incident which took place two weeks ago at the Montrose Government Primary School, where a female student was assaulted in the Girls washroom by five male students.

Scores of parents, on hearing about the incident expressed their outrage. The parents claimed school officials took no action against the boys, all aged 13, who are still attending classes as normal.

According to a police source, the incident took place on January 27 at about 11.45 am during the lunch break and when all teachers were said to be in the staff room.

The girl’s mother was informed of the incident.

A teacher at the school, who asked not to be identified, confirmed the incident and admitted that the boys were still being allowed to attend classes.

The teacher said it is believed that because there is a rat, cockroach and snake infestation at the school, the boys took the opportunity to use that “as an excuse” to go into the girl’s washroom where they attacked the girl.

Secretary of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Anna Maria Jackson confirmed the incident and also the infestation of rats, roaches and snakes.

Jackson said a team of officials from the Student Support Services was sent to the school to offer counselling to the girl. Jackson also added that the boys “will also be handled by the Student Support Services”.

“We are also seeking some sort of healing for the boys because we sure don’t want to have a repeat in the future. We are also hoping that we get complete intervention of all stakeholders and hope that something positive comes out of this,” Jackson said. With respect to the infestation of snakes, roaches and rats, Jackson said several days ago a student killed a rat snake in the yard and upon further checks discovered a nest filled with baby snakes.

She added that a team from the Insect Vector Control went to the school yesterday morning to spray the compound and also to “attempt to get rid of the snakes and the nest”.

When contacted yesterday a Ministry official, who wished not to be identified, said the Ministry was aware of the situation and confirmed that an investigation has been launched.