By Admin. Updated 12:19 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Residents in Bequia are voicing serious concern following a series of violent incidents involving students, which forced the suspension of classes at a secondary school and heightened fears within the wider community.
The disturbances began on Tuesday, April 28, when a confrontation in the Harbour area reportedly involved several students of the Charles Adams Anglican High School (formerly called Beauia Community High School).
Eyewitness accounts indicate that a group of students, some in uniform, and a few adults assaulted another student during the altercation. Only one person, an adult, was reportedly arrested after the incident.
Sources suggest the conflict is linked to tensions between groups of youths associated with different areas of the island, commonly referred to as “South Side” and “Harbour”. While such labels have been circulating within the community, authorities have not officially confirmed the existence of organised gangs.
The situation escalated on Wednesday morning (April 29) while school was in session. Around 10:30 a.m., during the mid-morning break, a second and larger fight broke out, this time on the school compound. It reportedly involved approximately 20 students.
During the disturbance, a bottle was thrown, narrowly missing the school’s deputy principal.
Police officers, including senior personnel, responded to the incident and escorted several students to the station for questioning. Parents were also contacted and asked to collect their children amid concerns for their safety, particularly for those who might have been vulnerable to further confrontations outside the school grounds.
There are also reports that a member of the school’s administrative staff was assaulted during the unrest. These claims have not yet been formally detailed by law enforcement.
As tensions mounted, transportation arrangements were reportedly made to ensure the safe departure of some students. The incidents prompted an early dismissal on Wednesday, and classes were suspended on Thursday as a precaution.
Community members say the unrest reflects a broader, ongoing issue among some youths in Bequia, which has now begun to affect both the school environment and public spaces. Parents, teachers and students are said to be deeply unsettled by the developments.
Up to publication time, the police have not issued an official statement outlining the circumstances of the incidents or the measures being taken to restore order and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Authorities are expected to continue investigations.
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