Barbados has witnessed a significant reduction in school vandalism over the past two years, according to Ministry of Educational Transformation officials. The decline is attributed to the government’s zero-tolerance policy and the launch of a nationwide beautification program aimed at modernizing educational environments and fostering pride in school spaces. Minister Chad Blackman emphasized that while isolated incidents persist, the overall trend is positive. He warned students against testing the law, stating that consequences for vandalism are clear and enforced. The government’s goal is to eliminate such incidents entirely, linking improved school maintenance and appearance to reduced vandalism. Historical concerns about student-related damage, such as the 2011 graffiti incident at Coleridge & Parry School, highlight the persistent nature of the issue. Recent cases of bus vandalism have also prompted stricter warnings from the Transport Board. In conjunction with these efforts, the Barbados Best Kept Schools Competition was announced, running from January to April 2026. This initiative, part of broader educational transformation, aims to enhance both infrastructure and cultural attitudes toward schools. Blackman stressed that schools should resemble professional environments conducive to learning and exploration. The program includes phased upgrades to aging structures, improved ventilation, and better-equipped classrooms. Community involvement is a key component, with residents, former students, and youth groups contributing to landscaping and maintenance. The ministry plans to introduce new national standards for school infrastructure and landscaping, aligning with Barbados’ vision of nation-building and preparing students for the future. Blackman described the initiative as a cultural transformation through education, essential for the republic’s progress.
School vandalism ‘down sharply’ as govt links drop to ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, beautification
