Not Good Enough; schools should have been ready says PDM

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, September 11, 2023 – The opposition People’s Democratic Movement is calling for monthly maintenance of public schools as they chide the government for being ill-prepared for the start of the 2023/24 school year, resulting in inconvenience for students and teachers.

“This PNP government has demonstrated to the people of the Turks and Caicos their lack of preparedness to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for our students by not having the nation’s public schools fully ready for the academic year,” said Robert Been, Deputy Party Leader.

He called for accountability and transparency on why the schools were not ready for September.

Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning had announced on August 31st that work was still ongoing on schools across the country despite the school year being set to start in days. While acknowledging that the Minister had accepted responsibility for the delay, Been maintained that this did not absolve him of criticism.

“Every year we know when school closes just like the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, we know that school will close in June and reopen in September and yet you’re not prepared,” said Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader

Washington Misick, TCI Premier was also criticized for participating in what the PDM says appeared to be last-ditch efforts to get schools ready.

“We all saw the video of the premier and the minister of home affairs on some kind of tractor less than 24 hours before the new school year opened putting some sand on the road leading to the Ona Glinton Primary School, that’s it throwing some sand— those things should have been done long time.”

In this vein, Been said the PDM wanted more than maintenance during school holidays

“What is truly needed is a consistent monthly maintenance program for all government schools. This proactive approach is essential for ensuring the proper upkeep and maintenance of our educational facilities.”

He remarked on the impact of ill-prepared school campuses on teachers.

“We cannot forget that our teachers are equally deserving of a safe, clean and pleasant working environment so that they can give their best to our students.  I have heard very little from Minister Robinson on how these delays on school maintenance has impacted our teachers who themselves are making concessions and sacrifices in service to our nation’s children, our most prized possessions. ”

The Deputy Leader also criticized Minister of Education Rachel Taylor for her approach to the issue saying she stopped sort of accepting any responsibility for the maintenance delays and surmised that the style of education management by the PNP Administration will cause students to be left behind.

“The buck stops with her.”

He described the PDM’s position on education.

“An intensive assessment of the physical infrastructure in our education system must be undertaken immediately to ensure we are not focused on quick fix solutions but that we are seriously invested in facilities that are resilient and equipped to cater to the learning needs of our students with a key focus on STEM.”

Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood maintained that should the PDM be voted into office they would mandate that all contracts be awarded before the end of the school year (May 31st ) to make sure work could commence immediately after the closure of schools.