Question 1

What actually happened in the incident?

Accepted Answer

Based on contemporaneous written statements from both students and multiple eyewitnesses, the incident involved a one-on-one altercation between two students over a misplaced $2,000 note.

The student who initially picked up the money later acknowledged it was not his and returned it. The situation escalated after a verbal exchange and physical provocation, including the throwing of food, which led to a brief physical confrontation.

There was no gang involvement or coordinated assault.

Question 2

Was this a case of bullying or group violence?

Accepted Answer

No. All verified eyewitness accounts confirm this was a 1:1 incident.

There is no substantiated evidence of systemic bullying or a group attack, contrary to what has been reported in certain media narratives.

Question 3

What are the age group(s) of the boys involved?

Accepted Answer

These students are minors and we cannot disclose that information.

Question 4

Did both students sustain injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both students sustained injuries and received immediate medical attention from the school. Parents were notified promptly, and follow-up engagement has been ongoing.

Question 5

Did Jamaica College follow proper procedures?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school followed its established internal protocols and the prescribed framework under the Ministry of Education.
	•	Immediate response by staff
	•	Medical attention administered
	•	Witnesses interviewed
	•	Written statements collected contemporaneously
	•	Parents notified and engaged

All actions were taken in accordance with due process and regulatory expectations.  ￼

Question 6

How did TVJ obtain confidential information and contact a parent?

Accepted Answer

We do not know how these confidential reports involving minors were leaked to TVJ. That is a matter for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to investigate and we strongly recommend that they do so.  What we do know is that the Data Protection Act (DPA), mandates strict handling of personal information, with heavy penalties for breaches.

Question 7

Was Jamaica College contacted by the police for an official statement or investigation findings?

Accepted Answer

No. The school was not contacted by the police to provide an official statement or to share the results of its internal investigation, as contemplated under established procedures. Any action taken by the police appears to have been independent of the school’s documented findings as prescribed by the Ministry of Education.

Question 8

Was Jamaica College contacted by the media prior to publication of the false reporting?

Accepted Answer

No. The school received no formal request for comment from TVJ or other news outlets prior to the initial and early  subsequent broadcasts. This is particularly concerning given that verified accounts were readily available at the time.  ￼

Question 9

Are there major discrepancies between the media report and the documented facts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Board has identified material inconsistencies between:
	•	Verified contemporaneous statements
	•	Eyewitness accounts
	•	The narrative presented in the TVJ report

These discrepancies raise serious concerns regarding accuracy, balance, and editorial fairness.  ￼

Question 10

Has any student been charged, and are countercharges possible?

Accepted Answer

We understand that one student has been charged.

The charged student is within his legal rights to pursue countercharges or other remedies, but the school does not provide legal advice on such matters.

Question 11

Did the school maintain communication with parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The school has maintained consistent and documented communication with the affected parent(s), including welfare checks and support measures following the incident.

Question 12

Did the school receive any prior complaint of bullying from the parent or student?

Accepted Answer

No. The school has no record of any prior complaint alleging bullying involving this student before the incident.  ￼

Question 13

Why is this incident receiving heightened media attention?

Accepted Answer

While the school respects the role of the media, the timing, framing, and lack of verification in the reporting raise legitimate concerns.

This is not an incident that would ordinarily warrant national headline coverage, particularly given its limited scope (1:1 altercation) and the absence of systemic issues.

Question 14

Did the media use the Principal’s comments accurately during the TVJ broadcast?

Accepted Answer

No. A generic, unspecific response from the Principal was deceptively edited and presented out of context to imply commentary on this specific incident.

Question 15

Are claims of “daily brutal fights” at Jamaica College accurate?

Accepted Answer

No. These claims are categorically refuted and unsupported by any documented evidence.

Question 16

What is Jamaica College’s position on this incident moving forward?

Accepted Answer

Jamaica College remains committed to:
	•	Student safety and welfare
	•	Fair, evidence-based investigations
	•	Due process and institutional integrity

The Board will continue to address the matter through appropriate legal and administrative channels.

Question 17

What should the public take away from this?

Accepted Answer

What happened:
	•	The incident was isolated and contained
	•	The facts are documented and consistent
	•	The school followed all required procedures
	•	Certain public narratives are not aligned with verified evidence

Bottom Line:
	•	1:1 altercation,  not gang violence or bullying
	•	Facts supported by contemporaneous evidence
	•	Due process followed by the school
	•	Media reporting materially inconsistent with verified accounts
	•	Further action will proceed through appropriate channels

Question 18

Where can I obtain a copy of the press release related to this matter?

Accepted Answer

The official press release is available at the following link:

JAMAICA COLLEGE INCIDENT: FACTS, CLARIFICATIONS AND OFFICIAL RESPONSE.

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