The Ministry of Education in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has expressed deep concern over recent reports of illegal substances, including alcohol, marijuana-infused foods, and sexual enhancement drugs, being found in secondary schools across the territory.
The ministry issued an official statement addressing the troubling issue and reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
“We take this matter seriously and are working closely with law enforcement and other relevant agencies to safeguard our students,” the statement reads. “The presence of these substances on school campuses poses a significant risk to the health and behaviour of our students.”
Reports have confirmed that students are bringing these illegal substances onto school grounds, with some distributing or selling them to their peers. In the past 48 hours alone, multiple students have been suspended after being found in possession of these substances. The ministry emphasized its full support for schools in enforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for illegal drugs.
“We stand by schools in their efforts to maintain a drug-free environment and will continue our collaboration with the Social Development Department and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force to address this growing issue,” the ministry’s statement added.
The ministry also urged parents and the wider community to engage in open discussions with their children about the dangers of drug use and the serious consequences of engaging in such behaviour. The statement called on local vendors and establishments to refrain from selling illegal substances or related paraphernalia to minors.
Schools will continue to educate students on drug prevention as part of their broader efforts to combat substance abuse. The Ministry remains dedicated to identifying those responsible for bringing these substances onto campuses and providing targeted interventions where necessary.
In a related matter, the principal of Enis Adams Primary School sent out a message via WhatsApp urging parents to warn their children about the dangers of accepting items from strangers. This advisory follows reports that an unaffiliated individual was seen distributing candy and other items to students near the festival grounds.
Meanwhile, in a press conference on Thursday, Sixth District representative and former Education Minister Hon. Myron Walwyn addressed concerns about student safety and the lack of protection from such external threats. His comments followed a media question about his acquittal in the ESHS parameter wall investigations.
The ministry’s efforts to curb substance abuse in schools continue, and they stress that this is a community-wide issue that requires the cooperation of parents, educators, and law enforcement.