Teachers have yet to hear about Government's comprehensive security plan for schools.

Bermuda Union of Teachers president Michael Charles disclosed this yesterday after a 15-year-old CedarBridge Academy student was stabbed at the school for reportedly trying to defend another student.

Police said the victim told them he had gone to the defence of a special student who was being bothered by other boys at the school on Thursday afternoon.

The 15-year-old was thrown to the ground and slashed several times on the back side of his left hand by what was described as a knife.

He required three sutures to close a laceration.

Police said they were continuing inquiries.

Shocked to hear about the incident, Mr. Charles told The Royal Gazette it was because of such acts that staff at CedarBridge had met before the Christmas break to thrash out their concerns.

"They felt they needed to have more security and security guards felt that they needed more authority,'' he said.

"Because of the size of the school, it is difficult for them to know everyone.

"Security personnel almost feel powerless.'' Education Minister Jerome Dill last year promised to introduce a comprehensive security plan last year after breaches in security at various schools.

But Mr. Charles said: "We have not heard anything from the Minister.'' While admitting that isolated incidents of violence can occur even with security in place, Mr. Charles said more needed to be done.

And he wondered why it was taking so long for suggestions, including those made at the Blow the Whistle on Violence conference in February, 1995, was to be heeded.

"Some years ago when they had the Blow the Whistle on Violence conference we presented them with a whole lot of issues, but nothing was done about it,'' he said.

"Initially there was denial. Now when it has reached almost epidemic proportions, they're trying to do something.'' Neither Mr. Dill nor Mr.

Payette could be reached for comment yesterday.