Opposition criticises ministry over state of some schools as term begins

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is condemning what it describes as the poor state of readiness at several schools for the start of the 2025 academic year, charging that students are being placed at unnecessary risk.

In a statement released Monday, DLP Spokesperson for Education Felicia Dujon said that while a few schools appeared prepared to welcome students, “far too many were in a worrisome and wholly unacceptable state”.

“I was alarmed to observe construction and repair works taking place while children were present on school premises, actions that disrupt learning, expose students to unnecessary risks, and betray our commitment to safety,” Dujon said.

She noted that parents, teachers, and administrators had raised legitimate concerns, but accused Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman and the ministry he leads of “choosing to ignore them”.

“Under Cap. 41, Section 3 of the Education Act, the Minister is explicitly tasked with promoting education, establishing and maintaining schools, and ensuring the effective execution of educational policy including maintaining a safe physical environment for students,” Dujon said.

“To ignore these duties is not leadership, it is negligence. I strongly condemn the Minister of Educational Transformation for this gross mishandling of our children’s education, reflecting incompetence, poor planning, and a shocking disregard for the trust the nation has placed in the government,” she added.

The DLP is calling for immediate and transparent corrective action, in full compliance with the Education Act, and “insists on accountability from the Ministry of Educational Transformation to guarantee the safety and well-being of students and staff”.  (SM)