Pubdate: Sun, 03 Sep 2006
Source: Trinidad Express (Trinidad)
Copyright: 2006 Trinidad Express
Contact:  http://www.trinidadexpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1093

NEW CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOLS

With schools across the country set to reopen tomorrow,  Education 
Minister Hazel Manning is assuring students,  teachers, principals 
and parents that new policies and  guidelines will be introduced to 
ensure that schools  are safe, clean and healthy environments in 
which quality learning can take place.

Unveiling the Ministry's newest policy titled Drug  Abuse and 
Prevention at the Ministry's head office at  Loinsworth Building, St 
Clair, last week, Manning said  special interventions had been made 
to coincide with  the start of the new academic year.

Starting from tomorrow, the Ministry has mandated that  all school 
environments will be smoke- and drug-free,  and under this policy no 
one will be permitted to have  on their person or under their 
control, any illegal,  controlled or restricted drugs either for 
personal use, trafficking or any other reason, save and except 
for  alcohol which may be used in specific instances and  only with 
prior approval of the Ministry.

"No Smoking" signs will be placed in strategic areas of  all schools, 
and can only be done beyond the gates of  all offices and buildings 
of the Ministry of Education.  The smoke-free environment policy will 
also apply to  all vehicles belonging to the Ministry. Included among 
the code of ethics in this new policy, it is stated  that any student 
or member of staff found in possession  of a banned substance, either 
within or outside the  school premises, will be subject to 
disciplinary  measures.

The Dangerous Drug Act No 38 of 1991 which was amended  in 2000, 
further provides heavy penalties for anyone  found within 100 metres 
of a school with a banned  substance. Banned substances will include 
tobacco,  marijuana, cocaine, hemp, and other substances as 
classified by the Ministry.
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