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Education Ministry says 'several steps' taken to improve conditions @ESHS

- says majority of teachers agree to no industrial actions without informing ministry
The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands says following recent industrial action by some teachers of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) steps have been taken to improve the working conditions and facilities at the school. Photo: VINO/File
This comes following a meeting on Tuesday 26th September, 2023, where subject Minister Sharie B. de Casto of Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports along with the the Ag. Permanent Secretary and the Ag. Chief Education Officer met with the administration and staff of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS). Photo: GIS/Facebook
This comes following a meeting on Tuesday 26th September, 2023, where subject Minister Sharie B. de Casto of Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports along with the the Ag. Permanent Secretary and the Ag. Chief Education Officer met with the administration and staff of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS). Photo: GIS/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands says following recent industrial action by some teachers of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), steps have been taken to improve the working conditions and facilities at the school.

This comes following a meeting on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, where subject Minister Hon Sharie B. de Casto (AL), the Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, along with the Ag. Permanent Secretary and the Ag. Chief Education Officer, met with the administration and staff of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS). 

“The meeting was in response to the September 15, 2023 sit-in and subsequent letter sent by the BVI Teachers’ Union which highlighted certain issues at ESHS. The Minister provided updates on all actions taken by the Ministry to address the concerns, verbally at the meeting and by way of letters dated September 21, 2023 and September 26, 2023. 

According to a statement from the Ministry on September 27, 2023, the Ministry conducted an assessment and concluded that there was a significant communication gap, which hindered its ability to fully understand and address the teachers’ concerns.

It says steps have been put in place for the submission of official reports from schools as such documentation also provides the insight necessary to make informed decisions, allocate resources, and swiftly take any action necessary.

Ministry addressing concerns 

“In specific response to the concerns raised by teachers, the Ministry has taken several steps. Efforts to improve the school compound and facilities included grass cutting, utilization of available classrooms and tents for lunch seating with supervision, and ongoing recruitment for a vacant janitorial position.”

The Ministry also shared that immediate action was taken to address extreme heat with fan procurement, and the maintenance of the air conditioning system is in progress.

“Mold assessments are ongoing, while electrical voltage and socket issues have been reported to the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), and efforts to enhance internet connectivity through configuration and authentication are underway. Additionally, there is a focus on timely curriculum resource procurement, addressing adequate space for staff, and the prioritization of teachers in the salary review process."

The Ministry said the meeting ended with an agreement by the majority of teachers not to engage in any future industrial action without first giving notice, while they affirmed an unwavering commitment to resolving all outstanding issues collaboratively.

21 Responses to “Education Ministry says 'several steps' taken to improve conditions @ESHS”

  • Gold or Bronze (28/09/2023, 10:35) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    That high school need a gym. Its years overdue.
    • Priority (28/09/2023, 11:18) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      let them put in some competent teachers not those who simply qualified and looking wok , have you seen the quality ion school work, it is disheartening
    • @Gold or Bronz (28/09/2023, 11:42) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
      At least you could have said something positive first since we all bashed the government for not dealing with these issues earlier and now they are dealing with them. Some of you just born to be negative and to complain all day and never give thanks.
    • HMMM (28/09/2023, 11:45) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
      At least the government built 5 new facilities at the high school that were badly needed and took our teachers and children out of the tents and expensive moldy building Myron put them in for years after Irma and Maria. What he did to them was unforgivable.
    • Kermit the Frog (28/09/2023, 11:50) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
      Be thankful for the new buildings. Myron built a wall rather than the gym and the needed new buildings so go check him for neglect of duty and neglect of our future. Also, check on how much money was spent on the rent & parking lot at Pasea and who pocketed some of the cash while teachers and students were suffering and getting sick. Now he come influence them to strike now and not back then. Ah gon back to sipping meh tea. Later I will talk more.
    • what (28/09/2023, 12:32) Like (29) Dislike (4) Reply
      what damn gym. That high school need a CAFETERIA!!!!!!
    • vi (28/09/2023, 18:38) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
      I think it's time for another High School. It's time now for another Gov't High Schools instead of just one High school. Gov't have money for everything else under the sun and not putting the Money to the Important things.
  • reality (28/09/2023, 11:32) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    The ESHS needs many things including an auditorium.
  • student (28/09/2023, 12:35) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Many of the classrooms are still without fans. It’s really hot in those rooms. I wish that the minister would come and spend the day with me in my classrooms. That should give her enough to think about.
  • smh (28/09/2023, 12:37) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    I simply don't understand why it took teachers sitting out for routine things such as cutting the grass and checking the A/C to be done. These things should be ongoing. And, as for only now addressing lunch seating and procurement of janitorial staff - I have no words!
    • @SMH (28/09/2023, 13:11) Like (14) Dislike (13) Reply
      What were the principals doing all summer? They needed to ensure that these things were done. As for fans, parents can donate fans. When I was a teacher i went CTL bought psint paintbrush and painted my own classroom, bought curtains and curtain rods, bought fans with my own money or ask parents to donate fans, microwave etc even bought my own internet box. I know teachers don't have to do that but these teachers always at salons and only buy brands. If you love your job like I did the sacrifice is worth it.
      • WHY SHOULD THEY?!?!?!? (28/09/2023, 16:03) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
        It is TAX PAYERS' money!!!! Teachers should NOT have to dip in their pockets and parents should NOT have to buy fans. EVERY month when you get your salary there are deductions. NHI, Social Security and Taxes. When THESE HERE POLITICIANS quit going to boat shows in Monaco and the UK when it it NOT necessary and put real money in education then I can agree that teachers and parents should assist. And trust you me they ain't flying coach. BUT as long as the politicians are eating steak and drinking wine on OUR dime and everybody else is grabbing for crumbs and TRYING too find water, HELL TO THE NO!!!! The cost of living is such that teachers are barely living above the poverty line. Why should they take their money and spend on something that the Ministry of education is responsible for? They need to make real visible contributions to education and then I would agree with you. Remember, if you don't fix your schools and get them running PROPERLY and get TRAINED teachers then you might as well go ahead and build a bigger jail. Have you seen our budget? Where is education on the list in terms of real money? We don't even have a library. Can you believe it? No library. One well educated child can lift their whole family out of poverty. One well educated child could be the next non-corrupt or non-accidental premier. Children are our biggest treasure but yet anything concerning them is like an afterthought. TEACHERS, you should have NEVER shown up on the first day. Parents are unhappy but only when you make them uncomfortable will the government ever address you. STAY HOME ----- FOR DAYS!!!! A WEEEK even. When mothers and fathers have to figure out what to do with their kids because they have to go to work or have to call in sick so they can take care of their kids because there is no school and start phoning the ministers these so called CARING politics will get the message. Bandaids come off. Politicians need to surgically fix the problem by cutting, opening up, assessing, repairing and sewing back up. You think deCastro would be working in a room without a fan or air-condition? You think Slowande would be working in a room without a fan or air-condition? Further more, they ain't accepting any fan. They want air-condition. This about it, you paying rent and have certain amenities. Why should you put your hand in your pocket for something the landlord is required to do? Come on now. I agree some teachers are just teaching for the money, but I know a whole lot who are dedicated loving teachers that pour their lifeblood into their students. Why should they be constantly disregarded? Enough said.
      • J (28/09/2023, 18:50) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        If loved it some much why did you leave? In any case, you are still free to donate those items. Don’t just run your mouth. Also remember, that teachers are not responsible for furnishing the government’s schools. If 250K could be spent on that unnecessary nonstop concert, there should have been amply to furnish the schools with whatever they needed in preparation for the new school year.
      • @@smh (29/09/2023, 08:42) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        I was a teacher too. I too used my personal funds to assist students and to purchase classroom items, but it should not be an expectation and it should not be necessary. Teachers go to salons and "buy brands" with money for which they have worked, they pay taxes like everyone else, and they earn a lot less than some of the people (including politicians and senior officers in the public and private sectors) whose children they teach. And many teachers also have their own children to support. You are advocating continuance of a status quo that should not even exist!
  • resident (28/09/2023, 13:32) Like (2) Dislike (10) Reply
    By right, these teachers should have been disciplined for their industrial action/protest. I continue to say: from the time that sick out took place at the airport, those employees should have been disciplined. Before any form of industrial action takes place, an organization or union/trade union needs to represent workers. Only after negotiations have broken down is there talk of an action. Industrial action is a VERY SERIOUS MATTER. If God forbid, a student hurts aanother in a classroom where the teacher was out of his classroom that teacher is solely responsible.
  • Government wants plaudits? (28/09/2023, 13:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Because what, they bought a few fans and cut some grass???
  • joe (28/09/2023, 15:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree with those teachers if they didn't cry out nothing would have been done the minter now learning to lie like those other pollination you all talking about funny man is decastro any better
  • You shall hear (28/09/2023, 19:52) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Don't buy nothing out of y'all pockets teachers. Vip is currently here awaiting on a athlete to come home and give him 30 gran.
  • Why (28/09/2023, 19:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    were none of these problems resolved during the 2023 summer recess when the ESHS was vacant?
  • and (29/09/2023, 07:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    She needs to answer that formal letter she received! How she got teachers to raise their hands ...stop intimidating and coercing the teachers.

    Give the ministries back to the PSs. PSs are constant and are the keepers of ministries. Ministers are there for only four years and are causing a frig. If this is not changed, then another minister will come and make a frig on frig because all of them could only think power and personal. The blind is leading the blind and they both fall into the ditch!


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