Ministry Apologizes After Unauthorized Jennings Secondary Drill Causes Alarm

Panic captured on video at Jennings Secondary School was not the result of a real armed intrusion, but an unauthorized simulation staged without the knowledge or approval of the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry moved quickly on Friday to reassure parents and the wider public after footage circulated showing students screaming and running in different directions while a masked male figure carrying what appeared to be a rifle was seen on the school compound.

In a statement issued on October 2, education officials confirmed that the activity was a simulation exercise organized by the school to give members of the school community practical experience in responding to a potential intrusion.

However, the Ministry said it had neither approved nor been informed of the exercise before it was carried out.

“The Ministry wishes to make clear that this exercise was not authorized,” the statement said, adding that it was “planned and carried out without the knowledge or permission” of education officials.

The clarification came amid concern generated by the video, which initially gave the appearance of a serious security incident unfolding at the school.

The Ministry stressed that there was no armed or other intrusion at Jennings Secondary or any other school in Antigua and Barbuda on Friday.

While acknowledging that emergency drills are an important part of school safety, officials said exercises of that nature must be carefully planned, coordinated and communicated to avoid unnecessary fear and confusion.

According to the Ministry, those safeguards were not in place for the Jennings Secondary exercise.

The Ministry apologized for the alarm and panic experienced by students, parents, guardians and members of the public who were unaware that the incident was a simulation.

It said it remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of students and school personnel.