Heightened Security Maintained at Rio Claro East Secondary After Online

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that heightened vigilance remains in effect at Rio Claro East Secondary School following a series of online threats directed at teachers and students.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry said enhanced security measures were immediately implemented in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and the Ministry of Homeland Security. These measures include the deployment of additional School Oriented Police (SOP) officers and safety officers to support on-site security operations. The Rio Claro Police have also maintained a static presence in the vicinity of the school, while all established entry and exit protocols remain in place.

The Ministry further noted that communication among the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies remains fully operational and unobstructed.

The heightened alert follows a series of threatening social media posts, including one dated January 17, which detailed a specific time and location and threatened violence involving “bullets” at the school. The post stated: “On Monday the 19th of January, at 2.30 p.m., soon as school is over, bullets are in their—I swear on my life they can kill me after…”

Other posts named several purported students and staff members, while one included a class photograph overlaid with the words “You will be dead.”

A parent who spoke with the *Express* last month said two additional teachers were also named in the posts, and that an image of one teacher with her two children had been shared online. The parent reported that fear generated by the threats significantly affected attendance, with approximately 60 of the school’s 588 students attending classes on January 12.

When contacted last month, Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath said the matter was being treated with the utmost seriousness by both the Ministry and the police. “All measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of the students and staff at Rio Claro East Secondary,” he said.

In Thursday’s release, the Ministry thanked parents, teachers and the wider community for their cooperation as authorities continue to prioritise the safety of the school population. The Ministry also assured that it will continue working closely with law enforcement and school administrators to monitor the situation and maintain a safe learning environment.

The statement added that psychosocial support remains available through the Student Support Services Division (SSSD), should counselling or related assistance be required for students.

The increased security follows several TikTok posts made last month by an account operating under the name “Kevin Randial,” which issued threats of revenge and violence against students and staff, reportedly over alleged bullying. Some of the posts stated: “I swear by God, tomorrow you will be crying,” and “Tomorrow is officially the day of revenge… all of you will be sorry at the end of the day.”

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