Minister of Educational Transformation Chad Blackman warned contractors that taxpayers’ money will be protected, even as he reported that the new school year had opened without major disruption despite delays at Wesley Hall Junior School’s two temporary sites.
“With respect to the issues of contractors . . . I will always hold accountable any contractor or contractors who don’t do the work in the time that is necessary or to the standard that is necessary because we’re dealing with taxpayers’ money,” Blackman declared during a visit to St Stephen’s Primary on Monday.
He emphasised that opening schools on time was non-negotiable. “Opening our schools on time this year was priority. Why is it a priority? If we’re going to transform the system, we have to ensure that we can get the basics right.”
The minister acknowledged challenges in preparing schools for reopening but credited teamwork for overcoming obstacles.
During the eight-week summer break, 47 schools underwent repairs costing $5 million.
He said, “Were there some challenges in getting us here? Certainly. But one of the things that has allowed me to have confidence this morning is that the team met head-on those challenges working with all the stakeholders.”
Blackman highlighted the extensive refurbishment carried out across the island’s schools. “We did bathroom upgrades, we did upgrades to nutrition rooms, general maintenance across the school plant, lighting upgrades. Maintenance for us is not July and August. It cannot just be July and August. It is making sure that our school plants are fit for purpose.”
The minister tied the physical improvements to his wider educational reform agenda, adding that he toured a number of schools to meet students and principals and to ensure the environments were settled.
In the wake of multiple incidents of student-on-teacher conflict last school year, the minister also reminded students and parents that the ministry would be taking a zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline.
“Let the word go out, we will not tolerate any violence in our schools at all,” Blackman declared. “And, Lord forbid, should it arise, we will ensure that we deal with it swiftly. Parents, I’m talking to you. Make sure that your children understand that when they come to school, it is about learning . . . . Schools are not a war zone. Schools are a place of peace. Schools are a place of learning, fun, innovation . . . . Schools are no place for violence. It is no place for bullying.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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