Government emphasised the negative aspect of school drug testing.

Senate Opposition Leader Milton Scott recently slammed Government for not establishing legislative framework for a critical piece of the Education Act.

And he criticised Government for stressing the negative aspects of drug testing in the school system.

"The only reason we are looking to bring about drug testing is because of punitive and judicial reasons ... we're not seeing the positive results,'' Sen. Scott said.

But Mr. Smith yesterday shot back: "My energy is focused more on getting rid of substance abuse among school children ... I'm much less interested in getting rid of children.

"It's fundamental that students under 16 continue their education. If a Minister was to remove a child because of substance abuse, you essentially deny that child future opportunities.

"We have to remember that we're not dealing with adults -- adults can make choices at whatever consequences. With school children, the emphasis must be on prevention and rehabilitation.

"I'm the Minister of Education, not the Minister of Police or whatever else,'' he added.

Mr. Smith was referring to Section 67 of the Education Act, which gives the Minister the option of expelling students who tested positive for drugs.

He also mentioned joint initiatives established between the Department of Education and the National Drug Commission that focused on rehabilitation.

SENATE SEN EDUCATION ED