Log In

Reset Password

Parents vow to stand up to Hallowe'en troublemakers

Government should take a stronger line against Hallowe'en vandals instead of acquiescing to them, a group of parents decided last night.

And after a unanimous vote, Anthony Steede, president of the National Parent Teachers Association, will send a letter reflecting these sentiments to Education Minister Jerome Dill and PTB director Herman Basden.

Last night parents gathered at the BIU headquarters to discuss -- among other matters -- acts of violence and lawlessness that have flared up on public buses recently.

One parent objected to the Ministry's decision to close public schools early on October 31 because she said it meant a minority of people had succeeded in holding the system to ransom.

She said: "I disagree with any attempt to close the schools early. I don't see any reason why the school day should be disrupted.

"Cedarbridge, because they are the ones most in the Press at the moment, need to set the standard.

"If you let students out earlier, all that means is that those intent on being mischievous can get started earlier.

"We must not play up to them. It is a minority of students who carry on in this manner.'' Chutch Pastor the Rev. Leonard Santucci expressed a similar position and he suggested that the National PTA send a message to the Education Ministry and the Public Transportation Board.

He said: "I think it is appropriate for us to send a message to the Ministry and let them know that we endorse keeping the schools open. We should also write to the PTB and ask them to reconsider.'' Mr. Santucci was referring to PTB director Herman Basden's decision to curtail bus services on October 31 because of the potential for vandalism.

He added:"We should keep buses operating longer and take a stand against hooliganism. This kind of running and hiding is for the birds.

"We must present a united front and stand and be counted and let anyone who engages in lawlessness know that their actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

On seeing that all other parents at the meeting were in agreement, Mr. Steede promised to send a letter to Mr. Basden and Education Minister Jerome Dill today.

Meanwhile, another PTB bus had its rear window sullied when an unknown person threw an egg at the vehicle as it made its way through Bailey's Bay.

Two Police officers were present on the bus which had just stopped to let some students off just past the Bay Side Guest House.

It appears that the egg was thrown from an area just before the guest house which looks out onto the main road. A Police cruiser went to the spot but found no-one there.