Education Minister condemns Lautoka bus stand brawl

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro yesterday strongly condemned the alleged student brawl at the Lautoka Bus Station last week, describing it as “a display of indiscipline and arrogance”.

He made the comments while officiating at the Queen Victoria School (QVS) prefect induction ceremony.

Mr Radrodro urged students nationwide to maintain dignified behaviour and warned against “mob-like” conduct on public transport.

“On Friday, we watched on social media students brawl at the bus stand in Lautoka. This was a show of attitude, a show of indiscipline and a show of arrogance,” he said.

“During sporting events and on a daily occurrence after school, we witnessed students screaming and shouting on public buses. The public has to get out of their way as they turn into mobs and bullies.”

The minister, a former QVS scholar, stressed that such behaviour was unacceptable and urged students to uphold standards of dignity and respect.

“We expect you all to be dignified children that QVS students have always been known for. And I forbid you, as an old boy, to drop that standard,” he said.

Mr Radrodro also declared QVS a drug-free school, stating it was “an expectation, not a request” and “non-negotiable”.

He added that Lautoka Police confirmed on February 14 that six students were involved in the bus stand incident. Four have been questioned, while two others will be interviewed soon.

Police are expected to visit the school to conduct awareness talks as investigations continue.

“Parents and guardians are again urged to counsel their children, to understand that their actions have consequences,” Police said.

“The safety and security of our children is a shared responsibility.”

The minister also called on parents to respect school policies, guide their children to be team players and ensure that education values begin at home.

Sixty-three prefects were inducted at QVS, with Isikeli Bari named head boy.