Reports of “alleged misconduct towards students of the Red Bay Primary School” have sparked an investigation by police and the Department of Children and Family Services.
Staff that were reported to be involved “have been relocated from schools until the investigation is completed”, according to a statement from the Ministry of Education.
“The safety and wellness of our students are our priorities. Immediate actions have been taken to address these allegations,” said the Ministry’s Chief Officer Cetonya Cacho.
After receiving reports of the alleged misconduct, the Ministry and Department of Education Services referred the matter to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), a joint operation between DCFS and the police Family Support Unit.
The catchment area for Red Bay Primary attendance coincides with the electoral districts for Red Bay MP Alden McLaughlin, George Town East MP Roy McTaggart, George Town South MP Barbara Conolly and George Town West MP David Wight — who are all members of the Progressives’ Opposition.
The Current reached out to those MPs for comment once the initial allegations began circulating online. In response, McLaughlin said, “I understand that the allegations are being investigated by the Department of Education Services and MASH. I don’t think it would be appropriate to speculate at this stage. Let the investigation take its course and produce a result.”
***Editor’s Note: Due to legal reasons, the Current is not at this time repeating the allegations that are circulating online.***
Acting DES Director Tammy Banks-DaCosta said, “The Department of Education Services is committed to supporting the students and staff of the Red Bay Primary School to ensure that the teaching and learning activities continue with as little disruption as possible. The academic and emotional well-being of our students is paramount; we will ensure that the school is poised to continue to function effectively and efficiently.”
Before the Ministry issued its statement, the Current also sought comment from Minister of Education Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Red Bay Principal Vickie Frederick, but as of the time of publication had not received responses from them individually.
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Here is the text of the Ministry of Education’s statement:
Investigation Launched into Incident at Red Bay Primary School
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: After receiving reports of alleged misconduct towards students of the Red Bay Primary School, the Ministry for Education and the Department of Education Services have referred the matter for investigation to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) comprised of the Department of Children and Family Services and the Family Support Unit of Royal Cayman Islands Police (RCIPS).
“The safety and wellness of our students are our priorities. Immediate actions have been taken to address these allegations,” assured Cetonya Cacho, Chief Officer for MEDAL.
In line with the protocol for addressing child protection allegations involving staff, the staff reported to be involved have been relocated from schools until the investigation is completed.
“The Department of Education Services is committed to supporting the students and staff of the Red Bay Primary School to ensure that the teaching and learning activities continue with as little disruption as possible. The academic and emotional well-being of our students is paramount; we will ensure that the school is poised to continue to function effectively and efficiently,” advised Acting Director of DES, Ms. Tammy Banks-DaCosta.
To learn more about the National Staff Safeguarding policy visit: http://www.education.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/mehhome/education/policies