Textbook grant available without receipt

Parents and guardians are being assured they can get government’s $100 primary school textbook grant without receipts.

The assurance came on Monday from Minister of Education Kay McConney after several parents and guardians complained they were not able to produce receipts as required because they were either faded, damaged, discarded or lost.

McConney said the ministry intended to facilitate parents in such circumstances.

“To this end, our permanent secretary will be sending out guidance to the school principals indicating that once the authorised teacher confirms that the child is in class with textbooks that are new, and once the principal verifies, as the authorising officer for the school, the ministry can accept the claim request,” she assured.

However, McConney has advised parents and guardians that once they submit claims in this fashion, receiving the grant would take a little longer because additional layers of verification would be required.

Meanwhile, she offered suggestions to parents needing assistance filling out the online form which became available on Monday at the Ministry of Education’s website – www.mes.gov.bb, the Barbados Government Information Service’s website – www.gisbarbados.com, and the Media Resources website – www.mrd.gov.bb.

“First of all, if you can, please ask someone you can trust to assist because, the truth is, filling it out online will be the faster way of getting the application with the claim request processed. Secondly, if you can’t find someone you trust, then call the primary school where your child attends and ask for an appointment with the Information Technology (IT) officer,” she said.

Failing that, McConney said, physical forms will be available at the schools from Tuesday.

“Again, I want you to be aware that once you fill the form out manually, the claims may take a little longer to process,” she stressed in a message to parents.

“We are making every effort to make it easy for you to be able claim the funds.”
(EJ)