Education Minister Philip Jackson says reports of a “lack of empathy” among some students of West St. George Secondary School (WSGSS) after the death of a classmate who had been stabbed multiple times have deepened his concern about youth violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Speaking on the New Times programme on NICE Radio on Monday, Jackson said Tafari Browne, a Form 3 student at WSGSS, died at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) earlier that day, three days after being found with multiple stab wounds.
Police are yet to comment on the incident. However, reports say that Browne, said to be 17 years old, was found in Arnos Vale on Friday with multiple stab wounds and had been in the Intensive Care Unit of the MCMH up to the time of his death.
Jackson said he had spoken with Browne’s grandmother and planned to contact the student’s mother, who was in England.
He also offered condolences to the family, Browne’s classmates, friends, and the school’s students and staff.
The minister said the chief education officer had told him that, while many students were grieving, officials had also encountered “a very heartbreaking case of a lack of empathy” among some students.
“And that really shook me up. I have to admit it to the entire nation. She said that the lack of empathy in the passing of a fellow student was very heartbreaking for them.
The minister said ministry officials and counsellors were at the school to support the community.
Jackson called youth violence a national challenge and said the death had made him question whether adults fully understood what young people were experiencing.
“This one really make me aware that the problem is much, much deeper than any of us probably imagine,” he said.
He urged a broad response involving civil society, religious communities, government agencies, schools and communities.
“It’s going to take a serious effort,” he said, adding that adults needed to find better ways to reach young people and “give them a sense of hope”.
Jackson also called for young people to have safe places to express themselves. At schools, he said, greater attention should be given to values education, conflict resolution, empathy, teamwork and community spirit.
“Wherever we are, let’s try to keep the peace, advance and promote peace, and be open to our young people,” he said.
Youth Minister says youth violence cannot become a norm
Meanwhile, in a statement on Facebook on Monday, Minister of Youth, Kaschaka Cupid, who is also MP for West St. George, described Browne’s death as “a heartbreaking tragedy”
“As Minister of Youth, I am deeply saddened by the loss of another young life to violence. We cannot allow these acts to become normalised in our society. We must take a firm stance as a nation,” the minister said as he expressed “deepest condolences” to Browne’s family, friends, classmates, and loved ones.
“Government, families, schools, communities, and young people must work together to confront violence, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and protect our youth,” Cupid said.
“This is a national responsibility, and the time to act is now. We must unite to build a safer Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where our young people can live and thrive without fear.”
In a post on Saturday, the minister had noted that Browne has been stabbed multiple times and was in critical care at MCMH.
As an individual, a father, a Minister of Government, and the Minister responsible for Youth, I am deeply disturbed by the reports of a 17-year-old student who was reportedly stabbed multiple times in Arnos Vale and remains in critical care at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.
My thoughts and prayers are with this young man and his family during this difficult time.
As a father, I cannot imagine the pain and anguish his loved ones are experiencing.
“Violence of this nature is unacceptable, and it is not something I can condone or remain silent about,” Cupid said.
He said that since assuming office in November, crime and violence have been a serious concern for him, adding, “we must collectively address what is happening in our communities.
“As a Ministry, our responsibility extends beyond providing opportunities for young people. We must continue to encourage positive decision-making, promote conflict resolution, and help our youth understand that disagreements must never end in tragedy,” Cupid said.
“We must learn to handle our differences differently. Walking away from conflict, communicating respectfully, and seeking help are signs of strength, not weakness. Parents, schools, communities, law enforcement, and the Government all have a role to play in addressing this growing concern.”
Cupid said the nation’s youth deserve to live, grow, and fulfil their potential without fear.
“We cannot allow violence to become normalised in our society,” he said, adding that he remains “committed to working with stakeholders to empower our youth and promote safer communities”.