Opposition wants 'safe spaces' around schools and harsher punishment for crimes committed near them

The parliamentary Opposition is expressing concern about what it says is a recent surge in violence targeting educational institutions and is urging the Government to establish "Safe Spaces" around key institutions, such as schools.

Opposition Spokesperson on Education Damion Crawford points to an incident at Holmwood Technical High School where a school bus driver was murdered on the grounds of the institution.

Additionally, in St Andrew, a man believed to be a parent was shot dead outside the gate of Rousseau Primary School on Friday morning.

And Crawford also highlighted this week's armed robbery on the Stella Maris compound in St Andrew. Stella Maris Preparatory has said the incident happened "at a different location and not at the school".

"These horrifying incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard our educational environments and protect everyone who accesses them. As the Opposition Spokesperson on Education, I urge the Government to take immediate and comprehensive action to protect our children and school staff from such violent crimes," Crawford said in a media release on Friday.

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Crawford says "Safe Spaces" around key institutions such as schools, hospitals, and transport terminals would mandate scheduled police patrols, ensuring a consistent and visible law enforcement presence.

"Furthermore, we propose that any crime committed within a 400-metre radius of these Safe Spaces be subject to significantly harsher penalties to deter criminal activity near these critical facilities," he said.

He is also calling for the Government to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent crimes are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.