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Gov't has plan to re-open schools by Sept 21, 2020 - Dr Wheatley

- but said plan subject to Cabinet approval for implementation
Enis Adams Primary School in Meyers Estate, Tortola. Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said the Government has a plan to re-open school by September 21, 2020, however, that plan has not been shared with the public as it is dependent on Cabinet approval. Photo: VINO/File
Painting a picture of how local school could look beginning September 21, 2020, Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said the government is proposing a system of online and physical learning. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Painting a picture of how local school could look beginning September 21, 2020, Hon Natalio D. Wheatley said the government is proposing a system of online and physical learning. Photo: HoA/Youtube
Both public and private schools will be subjected to the rules once approved. Photo: VINO/File
Both public and private schools will be subjected to the rules once approved. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) said Government has a plan to re-open school by September 21, 2020; however, that plan has not been shared with the public as it is dependent on Cabinet's approval.

According to Hon Wheatley, speaking during a live Facebook interview with 284 Media on August 6, 2020, contrary to the belief that the government has taken a decision to close schools until October 2020, that date is a continuation of the 3-month COVID-19 suppression orders issued at the end of July, which reflected the March decisions of Cabinet to close schools.

Cabinet to decide shortly - Hon Wheatley 

"When Cabinet makes a decision on schools, which cabinet will be making shortly... the order will be amended to reflect the decisions of Cabinet," he said.

"The moment that Cabinet makes a decision on schools, and I have to tell the public that a plan has been constructed by officials in the Ministry of Education, the plan has been circulated to all stakeholders including schools, all the schools would be fully aware that we circulated the plan."

Painting a picture of how local schools could look, beginning September 21, 2020, Hon Wheatley said the government is proposing a system of online and physical learning. 

"We are basically proposing a blended system of online learning and face to face instruction," Hon Wheatley said.

"We will not be able to accommodate all the students in school because of social distancing and we certainly will be observing social distancing in the new school year."

Shift system to be implemented 

He said for the bigger schools; however, where accommodation of all the students will not be possible with social distancing; a shift system backed by education officials will be implemented. 

He said both public and private schools will be subjected to the rules once approved. 

"In a situation where schools are big enough, and they have small enough student populations to be able to accommodate all the students, then all the students will be able to attend without having to resort to the shift system," Hon Wheatley said. 

35 Responses to “Gov't has plan to re-open schools by Sept 21, 2020 - Dr Wheatley”

  • Excellent (07/08/2020, 08:22) Like (22) Dislike (4) Reply
    I knew you are the brave, courageous, compassionate and not afraid of tough decisions...U R a different breed than the rest of them. U hold your Herritage and blackness close to your heart..... This the right move..
    • got your back (07/08/2020, 10:34) Like (3) Dislike (25) Reply
      Minister Wheatley, as a parent, I know you have in mind the best interest towards our children’s education. Thank you. Do what you have to do and please watch out for the 3 wolverines and their master who wishes you no well. Continue to stay humble and be the wonderful man that you are. Good always win over evil and bad minded ways.
      • Whatts up (07/08/2020, 12:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Some times I wish we would not be so defiant especially when the evidence is right before us.
  • Hold your ground.. (07/08/2020, 08:24) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
    This the right thing to do. Just dont let that bully evil man change your mind....
  • Education (07/08/2020, 08:32) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Minister of education You feel comfident that you can open school in september but keep your guard up pra and ask for guidance you dtill have to be concern about the virus and how things are going to be done to keep the safety risk there is nothing personal that you can do but enforce the use of proper hygine children wash their hands and th wearing of masks and stiff rules both for the students teachers and all staff members working at the schools please be carefull solutions has to be sought but you are working agaiinst something that is higher than us also remember even though you want the best for the children be carefull because it have those out there who will still say tis the minister open the school if God forbids some thing happens Minister keep your head on also I think it is time to stop children from othehr caribbean islands to attend school in the virgin islands if they are living here already then some thing can be worked out but do not allow no more children to attend school here if you are an outsider and you are not an american you see how much problems people have getting their children in public schools in america and even in St. Thomas be carefull pray for the best bur be on your Ps and qs Your Ministry and department of education has to do the right thimg and stop the up and downs this COVIT is not respecting nohing so make sure the staff and other workers are safe
    • headache (07/08/2020, 09:22) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
      Reading this comment gave me a bad headache. Did you ever have any formal schooling?
      • Periods (07/08/2020, 11:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Can I donate a few periods and maybe a couple capital letters to this post?
    • ...... (07/08/2020, 10:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No full stops
    • Who was your english teacher? (07/08/2020, 11:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      When I was reading your book oops I mean your comment I felt as if I was running a race. Where are your full stops??
    • tretretrete (07/08/2020, 11:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ms Education I have a daughter presently in school in St Thomas.. my neighbor also have a daughter and son in school in st Thomas. Why not ask the governor to stop them from having an education. Are you small minded black heart, people for real. And yes I from here.
    • *Hmm (07/08/2020, 20:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      This must be the longest run on sentence in the history of man-kind....schrist :/
  • Look Out (07/08/2020, 08:34) Like (6) Dislike (30) Reply
    he gonna steal myron's idea and run with it
    • @ look out (07/08/2020, 08:47) Like (20) Dislike (7) Reply
      Steal what? we voted him out means we don’t care about funny man ideas
    • look again (07/08/2020, 10:01) Like (11) Dislike (8) Reply
      Myron knew this was the plan. So he put it out there to make it look like his idea. The man cannot be trusted.
    • @Look Out (07/08/2020, 10:32) Like (8) Dislike (10) Reply
      Majority of the people don’t want to hear what Myron has to say.
    • um (07/08/2020, 15:10) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      This plan was motion from before so how can it be stolen
  • Teacher (07/08/2020, 08:37) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Wheatley please be mind full and careful watch your tracks with the 3 big Cs the crook culprit abd the criminal working in the education ministry and education department
  • pat (07/08/2020, 08:41) Like (7) Dislike (5) Reply
    We love you Showda let funny man take this up he €£>~\ VIP all the way
  • Sorry for the kids (07/08/2020, 09:10) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    This generation of kids gonna be growing up thinking that this new normal of social distancing, mask wearing and heat guns pointed at your pineal gland (third eye) is normal... Last days mehson a lot of lies being pushed for this agenda and only a few world leaders are fighting back and our government isn’t one of them
    • Whatts up (07/08/2020, 11:33) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      We are in the middle of a war and it will take all hands on deck to fight this virus which involve our children . We can not have any hope for the future if we are dead.
    • Maestro (07/08/2020, 14:12) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      So what. What you grow up with? Smoking crack and marijuana, shotting brugal and snorting cocaine.
  • Praying (07/08/2020, 09:21) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    Technically speaking, I think that it will be virtually impossible to maintain all the protocols that will be put in place for schools (though everyone will try in the beginning). I am praying that the border protocols will remain highly effective as that is our only right now.
  • Common Sense (07/08/2020, 09:25) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
    Well their is no community spread that doesn't mean you should create a culture pot for it to happen as quickly as possible! When it comes to infectious disease that can be spread so easily thinking about the one place when it is introduced can spread to the majority of the island, do you now the see the problem, we in the BVI have a habit of not taking things like this seriously until it's to late #irma
  • Whatts up (07/08/2020, 11:21) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    If a decision is made will it be mandatory?
    There is a lot of rambling ,for those of us who are aware of the dangers of covid 19 do we have a choice of home schooling?.
  • Common Sense (07/08/2020, 13:11) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Ok time to look at facts - if just one student enters a school with the Corona virus let's see what will happen, that one student enters a classroom and infects form 14 to 24 other students plus the teacher. They got to other classes or lunch and infects more students, then they take the virus home and infects their parents, other relatives, neighbors and friends. Next the working adult go to work and spread it to their coworkers and before you know it the majority of the island had been infected in only a short period of time. During all of this the schools get closed again and before you know it the island is back in locked down because government cannot contact trace under these conditions, even worse the hospital can not accommodate the majority of the island being sick so tell me you all really want to rush back into this without thinking? If you cared about your kids and other people lives you would think beyond yourself living at home with your kids. Instead of again not taking something seriously until it's too late #irma and fyi studies show survivors of the virus still have permanent lung and heart damage so no it's not just a cold.
  • @Look Out (07/08/2020, 13:23) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    .u see his intentions still with the rest of his wicked followers all about suppressing the bvi and it people but we got a strong team.....so to mr Myron hall u a$$ back in dat hole u been hidden...u need it wen the governor duncun come for u lol
  • Close the bars and clubs (07/08/2020, 14:55) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Close those first. Nobody following protocols then wanna send their children to school with people children who have parents doing all they can
  • Oldwarrior (07/08/2020, 15:48) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Your like those Japanese fighting the Second World War in the jungle long after it ended. There is no COVID in the BVI. It may come back but unless it does stop punishing the children and enterprise. Not everyone works for the civil service.
  • This is how... (07/08/2020, 17:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was here thinking this Hon. Minister has too many responsibilities being the Minister for Education & All Those Other Things. Now he is the second in command.

    Wow! Congratulations

    I just hope he can keep up. It would have been better if this information was made public AFTER the order was made by Cabinet and gazetted. This should be done soon and very soon so that all stakeholders can prepare themselves.

    Who done buy uniform and school supplies? Raise your hand or say, Me.


    • We hatts up (08/08/2020, 12:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Uniforms? Or do you mean masks,gloves, gowns and protective hair shields ?
  • If schools open (08/08/2020, 06:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Close the bars
    Ban strip clubs once and for all
    Fine the ferry companies and businesses
    Revoke licenses for those who not wearing masks and other covid laws
    Otherwise keep school closed please

    Tell the CEO make it public info about homeschool option for people who not interested in sending kids school this year due to Corona threat
  • Well (08/08/2020, 09:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The premier said that since i am locked out some local will take my job so please provide all necessary school supplies to my children back in the BVI. And get someone to go wash and cook for them too. Thank you.
  • Ghost (08/08/2020, 17:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I believe it would be very wrong of Government to Not give parents the option of home schooling their children in the face of covid..children attending schools SHOULD NEVER be mandatory.. another option would be for teachers to be in the classroom by self and teach the kids the way they did it when they used to do exam preps to enter high school and find some way to ensure perhaps via zoom that all kids are present .. I agree with the blogger that said if 1 child gets it, it could spread like wild fire in the community.. we cannot become a slave to fear but we still have to use wisdom when making these decisions..kids will not always social distance nor will they always adhere to proper hygienic practices.. and yes kids do get sick from covid and some do end up on ventilators.-fact.i say we all need to keep praying daily for God to call this pandemic back and that persons would come to know God and Reverence Him as God so He can heal our land/the earth. so I’m asking all of you to please pray with me..


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