A 14-year-old Berkeley Institute student was sent to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) by three of his schoolmates, who attacked him Saturday morning as he walked outside the senior school.

The Royal Gazette understands all four students had been in the same detention prior to the assault, which caused "serious" injury to one Smith's parish boy.

Education Minister Randolph Horton visited the home of the victim this evening and, while offering words of comfort to the him and his mother, discussed how serious these situations are.

Police yesterday refused to disclose full details of the incident, however Education officials held a press conference, declaring the assailants would be "pursued to the fullest extent" of the law.

"I will state categorically that such actions will not be tolerated," said Mr. Horton. "I wish to make clear that all those who would want to engage in actions designed to interrupt or disable any of our students, staff or programmes — they will be stopped. Their actions will be pursued to the fullest extent of the codes governing our schools and the laws governing our Country."

According to a Police spokesperson, the assault took place at approximately 10.50 a.m. on Saturday.

"The victim, a 14-year-old young man from Smith's Parish, was apparently walking along Berkeley Road in Pembroke when he was assaulted by three young men. The suspects then made good their escape on foot. The victim sustained facial injuries. He was treated at KEMH and subsequently released."

Police are now calling for witnesses to the assault. Of particular interest to officers is a female taxi driver who was in the area at the time.

Mr. Horton visited the home of the victim last evening and, while offering words of comfort to him and his mother, discussed how serious these situations are.

The minister said that Government and the school are working to assist the student in his recovery.

"I have asked that a full inquiry into the events of the weekend commence immediately with a view to not just identifying the facts surrounding this incident but also how we can further sharpen our system-wide efforts to tackle this challenge.

"It is likely that the investigation will result in the students involved being referred to the Berkeley Institute Disciplinary Panel."

Mr. Horton pointed out that the Student Services Department at the School has been called upon to step up their efforts to affect positive behaviours and attitudinal improvements in the student body, and parents are encouraged to take an active role in teaching positive values and non-violence.

He said: "The Ministry of Education is working to review and strengthen activities and programmes that already exist such as Life Skills and Character Education. "In addition, we plan to have an all-out assault on gangs. The plan is to enhance existing strategies which deal with anti-social behaviour in schools."

The school's principal, Michelle Simmons, said that the school currently has an anti-bullying initiative, which allows students to contact the school via e-mail, telephone or through their parents to alert them of any bullying activity taking place.

"We are working on building relationships with our students so that they can feel comfortable reporting such incidents to us. We also have a peer mediation programme where certain students are receiving formal training to become peer mediators."

She added: "We are in the process of instilling core values in our students — making sure they understand the standards, history and values of the school."

Ms. Simmons told the press that in addition, the students were debriefed at the beginning of the school year and addressed any issues that may have occurred over the summer, which they felt might have, and impact on the current school year.

When asked what may be a repercussion for the boys that were involved in the attack Ms. Simmons said: "We have in-school suspension and they could be possibly removed from school but I don't want to prejudice the outcome as it is still under investigation."

Police are encouraging witnesses to contact the Hamilton CIU on 299 4545 or 295 0011.