#BTEditorial – Fill the accountability gap in education – and in government

Could we ever witness repercussions within the Ministry of Education?

The adage “with great power comes great responsibility”, popularised by comic artist Stan Lee through his character Spider-Man, should, when conveyed to the Ministry of Education and, by extension, the government ought to be modified: “With great power comes great accountability.”

This fundamental lesson is already imparted to our students from early childhood years. Essentially, we teach them that their actions have consequences. Whether those consequences are positive or negative, they must be ready to accept them.

For instance, failing to submit homework may result in writing lines, rudeness towards teachers may lead to detention, consistent lateness may result in suspension, and fighting at school may lead to expulsion. Schools teach us that there are specific rules and regulations we must adhere to.

Therefore, it is only fair to expect education policymakers and enforcers to follow these guidelines and operate within defined parameters. We also expect that when misconduct occurs, there must be actions taken that align with the principles of accountability and the consequences that follow. Nothing less will suffice.

Yet, time and again, especially in the case of the Ministry of Education, it appears that accountability is lacking. Undesirable situations unfold, yet the leadership within the ministry remains unchanged. How can this be? How can the organisation responsible for educational policy in Barbados not practise what is preached in the over 80 primary schools and 21 secondary schools across the island?

Just Wednesday, a school safety drill at Springer Memorial Secondary School went horribly wrong, traumatising several students. Masked men armed with fake weapons and machetes stormed the school, moving from classroom to classroom in pursuit of someone. This incident incited panic among students, some of whom required medical attention. The incident and its subsequent fallout have triggered a national outcry and debate.

Around the same time last year, the country was in an uproar over the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Computer Science test administered to first-year students in five secondary schools. The test questioned 11-year-olds about gender and sexuality-related topics, leading parents to demand counseling for their children. Both the ministry and the IDB issued apologies.

Yet, here we are again.

In a press conference held on Thursday, education ministry officials apologised and promised counselling for the affected students at Springer. 

Principal Cheryl Gill revealed that only the school administration, teachers, and ancillary staff were informed about the drill, leaving students and parents unaware.

Reports also indicate that police who responded to calls made by students were also unaware. Consequently, they were unable to reassure the panicked students that the situation was just a school drill, further contributing to the chaos.

The school reported that it was the students in the corridors who reacted strongly, as they were not in their classrooms. This is not uncommon, as students often wander outside classrooms during the day, especially in secondary schools. Can we believe that no thought was given to this?

We acknowledge that these safety drills are important to prepare students for real-life scenarios, as emphasised by the ministry and the two teachers’ unions represented, the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU) and the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT). We also understand BSTU president Mary-Anne Redman’s point that some students in certain schools have experienced real violence and dangerous situations. She is correct.

We must remind the BSTU that in such real-life incidents, those responsible are held accountable through our judicial system. Students and parents have recourse. But who will be held accountable for the chaos on Wednesday? Who will take responsibility?

As our schools operate under the Ministry of Education’s guidance, which is a part of the Cabinet and the Government of Barbados, we ask Prime Minister Mia Mottley when accountability will be established in the ministry.

The BLP administration heavily emphasised accountability and integrity in its election campaign. When heated national debates like this arise, we see the government’s efforts to engage the public, including press conferences and apologies. While these are important, they must be followed by concrete actions. Lip service alone is insufficient.

Last month, Auditor General Leigh Trotman’s 2022 report raised concerns about procurement and payments for services provided to the National Conservation Commission (NCC). Approximately $1 553 402 was paid to a company over ten months to perform cleaning services. Where is the accountability?

During the tenure of the late Prime Minister Owen Arthur, there might not have been as many press conferences, but the number of dismissed ministers and government officials under his leadership signalled a commitment to accountability. It also sent a message to sitting ministers that their days were numbered if they did not perform or if they were involved in wrongdoing within their ministry.

Accountability is even more crucial now with a one-party Parliament.

With great power comes great accountability. Who will be held accountable for the Springer Memorial School incident on Wednesday? Will there finally be consequences within the Ministry of Education and governance as a whole?