In-person classes for all B&G students get union’s nod

All is well at the Blackman and Gollop Primary School, president of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) Rudy Lovell has assured.

Over a week ago, some teachers had expressed some concerns after the Staple Grove, Christ Church school opted to have all students return to face-to-face classes, while most other schools maintained a blended approach as the country’s COVID-19 numbers increased.

“The Barbados Union of Teachers wants to clear the air with respect to the Blackman and Gollop Primary School. We have spoken with our members extensively and for the most part, all of our members that we would have touched [base with] have no problem with returning to the classroom,” Lovell said.

Chief Education Officer Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw had previously confirmed to Barbados TODAY that the school was using a three-feet physical distance protocol.

She said following investigations by the Ministry of Education and the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit, there was enough space on the compound for all students to return safely.

“The three-feet distance is, in fact, practical in the environment and that is the reason that all of the children from Blackman and Gollop can now attend school,” the education chief said.

Lovell said he has since held discussions with the school’s principal, the union’s steward and parents, and there is full support for the full resumption of physical classes. (SD)