The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports has issued a statement addressing a second allegation of sexual molestation against a male teacher at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), just weeks into the new school year.
This follows a similar accusation that was made against another male teacher of the school at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 10, the ministry expressed its concern over the latest allegation and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and staff.
“The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports was informed of a serious allegation made against a teacher. We want to emphasize our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and integrity in our schools,” the statement read.
In response to the incident, the ministry confirmed that immediate measures have been implemented to safeguard the school environment. While specifics of the protective actions were not disclosed, the ministry reassured the public that it is cooperating with relevant authorities to address the situation.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the Social Development Department are leading the investigation into the allegations. The ministry noted that, given the ongoing investigation, no further details could be shared at this time.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding as we prioritize a thorough and fair process,” the statement concluded.
This is the second such allegation involving a teacher of the ESHS since the beginning of the school year. In response to the previous accusation, the ministry issued a statement affirming its awareness of the matter and outlining the involvement of both the RVIPF and the Teaching Service Commission in the investigative process. As with the current case, measures were swiftly enacted to ensure the safety of the school community.
As investigations continue, the community remains concerned about the safety of students at the island’s largest high school. Parents and residents alike are awaiting further updates from authorities, hopeful that the necessary steps will be taken to prevent any future incidents of this nature.