STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES UNDER SCRUTINY
In their response, the police confirmed that an initial report prepared by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) – the external vendor that conducted the trip – was received and included in the investigation.
Dr Johnston had said the school did not have access to evidence from the Maldivian boat crew or staff from the MWSRP, which meant SJII could not have a complete picture of what happened.
The police said they are also analysing the standard operating procedures relating to the incident, as well as documents from other state institutions.
“Once the relevant documentation is complete, further information will be disclosed,” it added.
“Since the commencement of the investigation, all developments have been shared and discussed with the Prosecutor General’s Office to ensure that, if any party is found to have been negligent, appropriate legal action will be taken upon conclusion of the case.”
The police also said that at this stage, it is unable to disclose details of the tour operator involved.
“The Maldives Police Service is currently verifying the authenticity and role of the parties primarily responsible for organising this programme in the Maldives. Relevant information is still being compiled,” it added.
In May, officers from the Maldives Police Service flew to Singapore to interview four students and a teacher who had been on the trip. Dr Johnston confirmed that SJII facilitated the interviews.
Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) said last week that it would not be investigating SJII’s handling of the incident, citing adherence to the school’s overseas trip safety protocols. MOE also noted that SJII, as a privately funded school, operates independently of the mainstream education system.
