Group agitating for school reopening commends Government

The group which earlier this month staged a protest calling for the resumption of in-person classes has welcomed the phased reopening of schools which began on Monday.

Marla Dukharan, one of the organisers of the Safely Open Schools Barbados group, said Government should be commended for sticking to its revised date for the return to face-to-face teaching for some classes, even as some were calling for a further postponement.

“I sincerely thank and congratulate the Government of Barbados for reopening schools on February 21 as promised. Many stakeholders worked tirelessly to make this happen, including teachers, parent-teacher associations, parents themselves, unions, students, the multilateral and international community, and others,” said the regional economist who was one of the driving forces behind the protest on February 5, across from the Prime Minister’s Office on Bay Street.

“Some are still working around the clock to ensure that remaining schools are ready as soon as possible. This phased reopening process will not be without its challenges. Some children and families are thrilled while others are facing challenges. But I believe that all parties are determined to find solutions, support each other through this process, and approach the situation with a positive mindset – that we have to learn to live with this virus, and Barbados can make this work for everyone, but the most vulnerable in particular. We owe it to them and to all children,” she added.

On Monday, the physical return to the classroom began with Nursery, Reception, Infants A and Infants B and Class 4 students in primary school, as well as secondary school students in first, fourth, fifth and sixth forms.

In phase two of the reopening, Class 1, 2 and 3 primary school students and those in Forms 2 and 3 at the secondary level will return to school.

Teachers and students who have returned to the classroom have so far reported a relatively smooth process with very few hiccups. (MM)