PARAMARIBO – Representatives from several youth organizations hope that the police will beef up its presence near the nation’s schools this new school year in order to guarantee the safety of students and teachers.
They pointed out that there were often fights before and after school last school year. At some schools students were also assaulted and robbed. Dwight Samuel and Anouskha Plet who are youth counselors emphasized the need for more information for the nation and in particular the youths. According to Plet, the minister of Justice and Police recently announced that there would be more police patrols near the schools but that she has not noticed any difference. Plet pleaded for the visible presence of the police before and after school and if possible the deployment of soldiers to guarantee order and safety. Samuel added that schoolbags must be inspected regularly at school but also at home. He also urged youths to refrain from acting tough and to focus on their performance at school. Both youth counselors want the minister of Justice and Police and the minister of Education, Science and Culture to join forces and to organize info sessions for the students so that they become aware of the consequences of their actions. They also want better coaching for first time offenders instead of just a slap on the wrist to keep their from becoming repeat offenders.
