Following new developments at the Clement High School in Providenciales, the PDM issued a release to RTC News after visiting the school compound today.
“Today, February 24th, members of the PDM and the Official Opposition visited the Clement Howell High School during the staged “Sit In” by the teachers. With the newly enacted policy that requires the Opposition to have to obtain the Minister’s permission before entering and with no prior arrangements made due to the morning’s development, Hon Sharlene Robinson, Hon Sean Astwood, Hon Clarence Selver and Hon Goldray Ewing stood outside the compound with a few concerned members of the community including the President of the Christian Council.
Hon Goldray Ewing, Representative for Blue Hills said, “I am committed as are my colleagues, to working with the government in the best interest of our children. I will not interfere with the workings of the ministry but will support where I can and offer ideas for solving the problems identified.”
Hon Sean Astwood, Deputy Leader of the PDM, said too, “These are all of our children and as the largest School, it represents a major portion of our future. Therefore, we must take steps to protect them and by extension, our future.”
Said Hon Cartwright Robinson, “We believe that “enough is enough” and we support the teachers fully.”
The present environment is not conducive to learning and teaching. The practice of seemingly ignoring the problem with the hopes that it goes away must cease. We urge the government to accept the assistance and work along with the Opposition, the community and the police to address this pressing issue. We have given the government more than one year to manage this situation. It is not in our children’s or their teachers’ best interest to sit by when we can do so much more.
Therefore, we offer the following measures for immediate consideration:
1. Increased security presence;
2. A better reinforced gate at the entrance;
3. A more secured parameter/repairing of breaches in the fencing;
4. A concerted effort to ensure expulsions are coupled with alternative arrangements for rehabilitation;
5. Partnership role of the Commissioner of Police with the Ministry, as was done between the Late Michael Taylor with Angela Andrews, former Principal of CHHS;
6. An ambitious Anti Gang campaign;
7. An aggressive Boot Camp Program;
8. A Mentoring Program;
9.Ultimately, the splitting of the school into more manageable numbers. This can no longer be lip service. It requires –demands- immediate attention. We are worried about the safety of our children, our teachers and the security officers.
We, the PDM, remain committed to working in the best interest of our people.”
That was the official PDM stance on the Clement Howell High School.
