Stand up, speak up for our children

It’s a sad day in our country when we have to hold our heads and wonder what really has gone wrong in Barbados.

Firstly I don’t know the specifics however I cannot comprehend how any person can walk off the road and onto a school compound whether legitimate or not and assault one of our nation’s children. Parents, we cannot take what has transpired lightly. 

What justice if any will this daughter of the land get? Who will be held accountable? Can the state be held accountable? Is the minister aware of the ramifications of such an offence? Does the minister understand the mental state this child will be forced into? I stand with the child and family because I have had to deal with this same element and it is not easy. Yet, topics like homosexuality, lesbianism, LGBTQ are discussed effortlessly.

Educational reform continues to be a topic of interest as it should. However security which has been cause for concern for years should have been a top priority. It is unacceptable. All schools should have a guide to take visitors to the office. The guard should not send any visitor unaccompanied. The guard should not leave their designated post. Guard rooms should be equipped with phones so that a call could be made to confirm those entering the school compound.

Approximately six years ago when I was PTA president at the Sharon Primary School, a man jumped over the fencing with a gun while students were enjoying lunchtime play. Students were traumatised and had to get counselling. Former principal Mrs Pamela Small Williams loved her students and teachers and I knew that security was a definite concern for her as well. I called a press conference and requested that a guard be allocated as soon as possible. Sharon Primary School has had a guard for approximately six years now. 

Fourthly, I am left in awe when I hear of some of the things that transpire in our schools and the PTAs’ silence is a cause for concern. We cannot afford to drag our feet or hold our heads down and be silent when we have been selected to serve even though it’s without pay. Some say I’m “ghetto”, however I stand on truth to self and the cause. We are not here to be anyone’s friend. I remember Michelle Catlyn, former St. Matthew’s Primary School PTA president who stood up and spoke out. We need more like her. Do or be done. Simple.

Finally, I may get some licks for this, but my back is broad. For years I have questioned the role of the NCPTA and the way situations were handled in the past. I’m hoping with the new president Nicole Brathwaite, that a change will be seen. Some PTA executives are frustrated with not getting recognition for things done, low parental and teacher support. Some are afraid bècause when certain issues are touched you get side-lined. I’ve spoken on issues and realised that my ideas were used, other times initiatives to enhance our students – despite corporate Barbados being on board – didn’t come to light because persons are of the opinion that the president should be seen and not heard. However I need parents to remember these are our children, our legacy given to us by God. We must endeavour to protect them no matter what. Stand up! Speak up! 

Steffanie Williams

PTA President

Lawrence. T. Gay Memorial School