PRESIDENT of the National Parent Teachers Association Walter Stewart has expressed concerns about officers armed with guns being present in certain secondary and primary schools.

Stewart told Newsday, “This sends a worrying message and signals the perception that our students are criminals. This reflects negatively and throws a damper on not only the school climate, but can also cause untold anxiety, thereby disrupting the students’ focus and attention on learning.

Stewart said there haD been no history of gun violence in TT’s schools to warrant the introduction of armed officers.