The Government of Anguilla has launched an investigation after a pupil was injured when a newly installed gate collapsed at Valley Primary School.
The incident happened on Thursday, 26 September, at about 12.28pm. Further details, such as the child’s age or how the gate fell have not yet been officially released.
“Emergency responders were immediately notified, and the student was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment,” a Royal Anguilla Police Force spokesperson told Anguilla Focus.
“The student was later discharged, although follow-up was necessary due to continued discomfort.
“Medical professionals confirmed that the student sustained bruises and swelling, but there were no broken bones.”
Minister of Education Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers announced the incident during a government press conference on 7 October.
“I’m not too sure how many persons are aware of it, but it’s in our interest to kind of give you a general update,” she said.
She continued: “In this particular situation, there was an incident where a recently installed gate at the Valley Primary School would have fallen on a child.
“That child was then taken to the hospital, and is currently undergoing care.”
The minister said the government is working with the family, stressing: “Our primary concern is about the wellbeing of the child and the family.”
Kentish-Rogers was off-island at the time of the incident and Minister of Home Affairs Kenneth Hodge was acting as education minister.
She said he “would have been doing all things possible to ensure that the child receives the best care”, and added that a report has been “launched” and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Responding to a media question, the education minister said she is not certain if there are inspectors to check installations like gates, but added: “That’s all a part of the investigation right now.”
Stepping in to speak on the incident, Hodge said he and the chief education officer had been in daily communication with the parents of the child “at each and every step of the way”.
“It happened on at the school compounds, and the government of Anguilla is responsible for that child until full recovery,” he said.
On 11 October, a spokesperson for the Department of Education told Anguilla Focus the child is currently receiving medical treatment overseas.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated on 15 October to include a quote from the Royal Anguilla Police Force.
