Raheem Knight is a top student at Entrepot Secondary. * Photo credit: The Voice (St. Lucia)
A male student of the Entrepot Secondary School was stabbed in the face around noon today by one of two bandits who attempted to snatch his chain.
The victim has been identified as top student of Entrepot Secondary, Rakeem Knight, 16, of Carielle, Castries.
The victim’s mother, Melcina Knight, told St Lucia News Online (SNO) today (July 3) that her son, one of his schoolmate and his friend’s mother were heading to the school to pick up a copy of their transcripts when the incident occurred.
According to the woman, one of the bandits approached her son with a knife and demanded his chain, but Rakeem resisted. The other bandit was on the lookout. The bandit, who attacked Rakeem, had in his possession a nine-inch knife and at first attempted to stab him in the stomach. However, he was stabbed in his face instead.
Rakeem put up a fight and managed to get the bandit on the ground, but the bandit fought back and escaped without the chain. Melcina said Rakeem is devastated by the incident, but is thankful that he is alive. Rakeem was treated at hospital and released. He obtained several stitches.
Principal of the Entrepot Secondary Arthur Scott told SNO that Knight was robbed a few yards away from the school. Scott described it as an unfortunate incident, explaining that the young man and his friend decided to walk instead of catching a mini-bus.
Knight was recently named the Junior Achiever of the Year and was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Young Leader Award of St Lucia. He is actively involved in youth activism and is associated with the Young Leaders Club.
Officials from the Marchand Police Station had conducted a search for the bandits in the area, but came up empty-handed. This incident comes close to the stabbing of another 16-year-old student, Nichole Elibox of the St. Joseph Convent, who was wounded while being robbed of her cell phone.
Education Minister Dr. Robert Lewis had promised heightened security for the District Three area. Patrols are expected to be done between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily.