Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

Students of Charlie Smith High School in Kingston are scheduled to resume classes today to meet the first sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) tests.

Last week, the students were forced to stay home for three and a half days due to ongoing gang violence in the surrounding community of Arnett Gardens.

This was the second time in 18 months that the school had to close its gates for days due to gang violence.

On Friday, a man was killed on Ninth Street, the same road on which the school is located. In addition, two menwere killed last Tuesday afternoon a few metres from the institution which celebrates its 32nd year of existence in September.

While school resumes today, principal Dennis Kelly is hoping that violent uproars in the community will discontinue.

"We have to get inside the heads of the residents of the community, somehow, either by free will or force. This type of situation is not conducive to learning," said Mr. Kelly.

The principal is especially concerned about his students who are sitting CSEC examinations.

"While the violence continued, and school was out, teachers and students were at school trying to complete preparations for the exams," he said.