Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, at the outset, let me make it clear that I am going to answer a very sensitive question. So, I hope we keep it at that level because we are talking about our kids. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has been informed of an unfortunate incident which occurred on 10 March 2025, involving students – I am hesitating but I have to take the names of the institutions because I don’t want them to be stigmatised afterwards but the question being there, I will name the schools – from Terre-Rouge State Secondary School and Professor Hassan Raffa State Secondary School. It has been reported that during the incident, the students from Terre Rouge State Secondary School threw stones at Professor Hassan Raffa State Secondary School which resulted in two broken window panes and one student, namely, Mr P.E., who sustained an injury under his right eye. The injured student was immediately given first aid and has since made a full recovery and returned to school. Police were called to the scene and conducted an enquiry which is underway. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in response to the recurring nature of these incidents, the Director Zone 1 of my Ministry, the Directorate, conducted a survey to assess the infrastructural vulnerabilities and students’ safety protocols. As a result, several infrastructural upgrades are being recommended including raising the boundary wall between the two secondary schools and installing perforated iron sheets atop the wall to act as a physical deterrent. These measures aim to ensure the safety and security of students of both institutions. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with a view a preventing similar incidence in the future, the Zone 1 Directorate, has also recommended a series of remedial actions. Rectors from both schools have been advised to conduct sensitisation sessions to – 1. Promote proper behaviours; 2. Encourage positive conduct, and 3. Employ restorative practices to resolve conflicts. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, moreover, mediation sessions between students from both secondary schools will be introduced to eliminate hostility and foster mutual respect. This has not been done over the past ten years; we are going to do it, most probably, next week. Close monitoring at sensitive points, especially near boundary areas, during breaks and dismissal times, will be intensified.

68 Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, collaboration between these two schools will be reinforced through joint activities and discussions with stakeholders including the Child Development Unit and the Crime Prevention Unit, who will conduct awareness sessions on the legal consequences of vandalism and violent behaviour. Regular workshops on conflict resolutions, empathy building and peer mediation will further strengthen positive students’ engagement. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I also take this opportunity to clarify that my Ministry has already taken a firm policy decision regarding Terre Rouge SSS. The school is being progressively phased out and will become an exclusively girls’ school. The intake of boys has already ceased and this transition is ongoing. In the spirit of good neighbourhood relationships, I will, personally, ensure that a meeting is convened shortly to consolidate ties of friendship between these two neighbouring institutions. The students will be sensitised to view this proximity as an opportunity for enrichment rather than conflict. They will be encouraged to leverage shared infrastructure, promote a culture of respect and foster a sense of belonging. These schools exist not to be divided by hostility but to thrive through collaboration and mutual growth. In the future, many joint projects can be developed to transform this shared space into a model of cooperation and unity. Thank you.

The hon. Second Member for Savanne and Black River! MARTINIÈRE ROAD, SURINAM – BARE LAND – ILLEGAL DUMPING