Education Minister Daryll Matthew
Education Minister Daryll Matthew has issued a firm and uncompromising warning: anyone who harms or exploits children has no future in Antigua and Barbuda’s education system.
Speaking in Parliament, Matthew condemned all forms of child abuse, especially sexual abuse in schools, as he confirmed that a school principal has been placed on administrative leave over what he described as “documented allegations” involving multiple female students.
“The matter is under active investigation,” the minister said. “Don’t worry—it is actively being investigated with all the documentation. But I swear to the Almighty God, he cannot put his foot back in another classroom as long as I am here.”
The Ministry of Education has removed the principal from duty pending the outcome of the case. Although the individual cannot be named for legal reasons, sources confirm they were initially suspended months ago following several allegations.
A detailed internal investigation has since been completed, and senior officials say additional action is expected shortly.
News of the allegations has raised concerns among parents, some of whom fear the principal could be returned to the school system despite the severity of the claims.
The Education Minister sought to put those fears to rest, insisting that child safety is non-negotiable and that his ministry will not allow anyone accused of such acts to be returned to students.
The principal is said to be preparing legal action against the government, challenging the decision and the measures taken during the investigative process.
Despite this, Matthew made it clear that the ministry’s priority remains the protection of children and the preservation of trust within the education system.
Standing strong with Daryl on this issue! We must protect our students at all cost!!! Both male and female!!
Protect the children first, everything else is secondary. If the allegations are this serious, that principal should NEVER step foot in a classroom again.
I agree this has been going on for too long get rid of these predators they disgust me and he still wants to be wrong and strong. You are to be protecting the youths but you wanna teach them what is inappropriate men like you i wanna hang by your balls and when im finish with you you won’t have no use for it but you can go on with your lawsuit cause it won’t get you any where I ou child molester predator your karma is here well catch up on you .its more than one student so you are guilty as hell I hope you get some time behind bars
I hope he gets more than time behind bars. I can’t say here all what I want him to get upon his arrival there
I agree this has been going on for too long get rid of these predators they disgust me and he still wants to be wrong and strong. You are to be protecting the youths but you wanna teach them what is inappropriate men like you i wanna hang by your balls and when im finish with you you won’t have no use for it but you can go on with your lawsuit cause it won’t get you any where I ou child molester predator your karma is here well catch up on you .its more than one student so you are guilty as hell I hope you get some time behind bars
Can discipline be meted out purely on allegations? They might be serious, yes, but make sure you have the facts. I totally agree with the protection of minors.
Which school?
Please take a stand. We want to know that our children are protected when their at school from sexual predators
Weed them out. Some of them principals are also gay and looking at our boys children. Mr Mathew i agree with you. We have to protect our children
Removing one person is fine, but what about the system that allowed the behavior to go on long enough to become a scandal?
Parents are right to be worried. Historically, too many accused individuals find their way back into the system. The Minister’s stance is the first time we’re seeing absolute firmness.
Minister Matthew. When will you remove the gay principals from schools?
While the allegations are serious, due process is still essential. The investigation must be thorough, transparent, and fair.
Matthew’s statement sends a clear message: safeguarding students is more important than protecting reputations.
Strong words, long overdue. It’s good to hear a minister publicly take a hard line on child protection
The ministry’s decision to remove the principal pending the investigation is the responsible thing to do.