On January 30, 2020, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who spoke out on the issue, said he was investigating the matter, and unearthed that "certainly, something did take place," he said to JTV's Cathy O. Richards.

Hon Wheatley said the matter would be sent to the Teaching Service Commission, "who makes decisions about anything involving this type of activity and any potential disciplinary actions."

"Everybody will be informed about what actions will take place," he added.

More stories emerging

Speaking to residents of Spooner's Estate on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Enis Adams Primary School in Meyers Estate, Hon Turnbull said, "There have been some issues overall, territory-wide, surrounding education. There is the issue with the teacher with the alleged detergent thing, and there are more stories coming out of different schools now, gross ills done with our students."

No more under the rug sweeps!

He added: "That is something that we have to pay attention to and we can't just sweep things under the rug anymore. We have to hold teachers, the system, the education department, the ministry and the government responsible because they are the ones responsible for our children."

The incident of the student allegedly given Pine-Sol to gargle had sparked outrage across the Territory.