Prime Minister Stuart Young has addressed recent media reports revisiting a bullying incident from his time as a student at St. Mary’s College.
In a statement on his Facebook page, he said the incident was traumatic for everyone involved, and it is “unfortunate” that an incident which occurred when he was a student has resurfaced “in a way that does not allow for a full and fair discussion.”
Mr. Young said the issue of bullying in this country “is unfortunately real” and one he takes very seriously “as a father and now as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.”
He continued, “People are shaped by their experiences and I have no intention of minimising anyone’s feelings, even my own, on this matter, some 33 years later. The public’s interest is not served by politicising an issue as sensitive as bullying, which deserves thoughtful discussion and meaningful solutions. Let’s focus on writing the next chapter in which we work to ensure that our schools are safe spaces where all children can feel protected and get the support that is needed. That is my commitment to Trinidad and Tobago.”