The following is the full statement from the Education Ministry:
In Week of VThe Ministry of Education is aware of a message and voice note circulating via WhatsApp and social media about the threat of a shooting at the Clement Howell High School today.
The Ministry is treating this matter seriously and has implemented heightened security presence at the school.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is investigating the authenticity of the message as we work to mitigate threats and improve the safety of staff and students at all schools.
We are also aware that rumors are now circulating about a student of the Clement Howell High School being shot. We wish to advise the public that there have been no shots fired at the school.
The school can confirm that it has been reported a student was grazed by a stray bullet in a separate and unrelated incident which occurred on Sunday evening.
The Ministry understands the level of fear and anxiety that a number of people are experiencing at this time and out of an abundance of caution the Ministry has decided to suspend school at CHHS with effect from 11 a.m. today for the remainder of the week while we assess the threat.
Arrangements have been made with the bus service provider to take children home and parents have been contacted to collect children where necessary.
We appreciate the concerns of parents and guardians. The Ministry is equally concerned and we are taking every precaution to safeguard staff and students. Our schools have a Critical Incident Management Plan and each school has a Critical Incident Management Team.
They have also done drills to prepare them in the event there is an incident. The Ministry will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff.