Charlie Smith woes - Thugs preying on students of Arnett Gardens-based school

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

CHARLIE SMITH High School in the South St Andrew community of Arnett Gardens is in trouble.

Thugs have set their sights on the school and there are many tales of woe from students and residents who have witnessed the almost daily attacks.

Much of that trouble is from persons who attended the school and who are now preying on the current crop of students.

"It is some young boys, many of them who attended the school, who are now targeting the students," one resident told The Gleaner.

"They steal phones, computers and anything the children have. There is one case where a big 20-year-old boy tell a little girl who is not more than 15 years old that if she don't have no money, she have to give him sex," the resident added.

According to the residents, the police are aware of the problem and are going after the two main troublemakers, but until they are apprehended, the students are in danger.

"The young boy them nah tek no talk from nobody and them a mek the children them live in hell and we as big people can't stop it," said another resident in frustration.