Government Introducing Student IDS To Beef Up School Safety

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The government is working to significantly increase security and controls at public schools across The Bahamas, according to Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin.

While contributing to the 2025/2026 budget debate, Hanna-Martin said the Ministry will introduce sterile zones at public schools to ensure that only individuals authorized to enter each school compound will be allowed access.

Glenys Hanna-Martin – Minister of Education
“The Ministry has begun installing electronic arms at school entrances to control access to school campuses. We are also in discussions with the Department of Information and Technology to implement a unique student identification card system, so that only authorized students can access their respective school campuses.”

Those IDs, according to Hanna-Martin, will also contain critical information on each student.

Glenys Hanna-Martin – Minister of Education
“These measures have become necessary in light of a number of incidents involving unauthorized entries by students and adults that compromise school safety. The Ministry must send a strong signal of zero tolerance and that school campuses must be safe zones.”

Hanna-Martin says students found in violation of these rules could face suspensions to suspension centers or be placed in the juvenile justice system.

She also stressed the importance of collaboration with parents, noting that often, parents have a hard time believing their children are engaged in bad behaviour.

The Minister also revealed a nearly 20 percent drop in school incidents last year.

Glenys Hanna-Martin – Minister of Education
“School incidents nationwide have been significantly reduced last year by 17%, and the data for this current academic year is being collated. Although, as we approach the last days of this school year, we have seen a notable reduction in campus disruptions, including fights and other incidents.”