Education levels playing field, says MP

Although acknowledging there are challenges in the school system, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Dr Romel Springer says the education provided still remains the best tool for persons to achieve a higher standard of employment and living.

He shared that view as he delivered the feature address at the 2022 Gabrielle Thompson Memorial Scholarship appeal at his alma mater, The Alexandra School, at the weekend.

Springer, who is also Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resources, said although many have been critical of the system, education in Barbados remains of a high standard with benefits seen at every level of society.

“Today, there are many successful persons in this country who have emerged from humble backgrounds and have risen and persevered against all odds because of the education system and the value that we as Barbadians place on education in this country.

“To our students, when you excel in your education, you can excel in your life and, by extension, you will make a more wholesome contribution to your society, to your country, [and] mankind as a whole.

“Even though our education system has taken a lot of flak from the home pundits and naysayers, especially in the last few years, I still believe that it allows for a certain degree of fairness. In this country, the child of the maid, janitor, [and] street vendor has the same access to the same educational opportunities as the child of the doctor, or the lawyer, or even the politician,” Springer said.

He commended the school for the scholarship appeal which it conducts annually, saying it supports students in pursuing their dreams.

The Gabrielle Thompson Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to fifth and sixth-form students seeking to further their studies at a tertiary institution or students who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship.

“I am extremely pleased with this initiative because it not only focuses on students that excel at traditional academia, but it also encourages those students to be well rounded and to be involved in extracurricular activities. There is also scope for those who are desirous of becoming entrepreneurs,” Springer noted. (SB)