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Civics in school will benefit the territory- Elton Georges

It is the view that the return of Civics in school will foster a situation where persons will become more conscious of the need to be living in a community together. Photo: VINO/File
“I do think that proper course in civic education and Civics beginning in our schools at a very early stage and continuing through will redound to the benefit of the country, in fact it will begin to produce citizens who are more conscious of civic responsibility,” said former Commissioner of Complaints Mr Elton Georges. Photo: VINO
“I do think that proper course in civic education and Civics beginning in our schools at a very early stage and continuing through will redound to the benefit of the country, in fact it will begin to produce citizens who are more conscious of civic responsibility,” said former Commissioner of Complaints Mr Elton Georges. Photo: VINO
Mr Georges was well supported by his successor, the new Complaints Commissioner Ms Sheila N. Brathwaite, who said Civics in schools is very important as it was done back in the days of her schooling in the VI. Photo: VINO
Mr Georges was well supported by his successor, the new Complaints Commissioner Ms Sheila N. Brathwaite, who said Civics in schools is very important as it was done back in the days of her schooling in the VI. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - “I do think that proper course in civic education and Civics beginning in our schools at a very early stage and continuing through will redound to the benefit of the country, in fact it will begin to produce citizens who are more conscious of civic responsibility,” said former Commissioner of Complaints Mr Elton Georges, CMG, OBE.

This call by Mr Georges came a day after Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn gave a clear indication of yet another area in the education system of the Virgin Islands that he feels needs a plug.

During his address at the Territory Day ceremony at Central Administration Complex on June 28, 2015, Hon Walwyn said, “We also must ensure that we return Civics to the Virgin Islands education system in both the primary and secondary schools because we understand the need to build good and informed citizens."

Mr Georges on the other hand was addressing members of the media on June 30, 2015 as he made his full exit from the position of Complaints Commissioner of the Virgin Islands and into full retirement.

It is his view that the return of Civics in school will foster a situation where persons will become more conscious of the need to be living in a community together. “How we have to compromise and to give and take and respect the rights of others not just to look out for our own,” he said.

Mr Georges was well supported by his successor, the new Complaints Commissioner Ms Sheila N. Brathwaite, who said Civics in schools is very important as it was done back in the days of her schooling in the VI.

“What it does it teaches you responsibility, it teaches you how to work with your fellow man, how not to disrespect one another,” she said. Mrs Brathwaite further alluded to the new requirements for high school seniors to graduate where they are required to complete 120 hours of community service.

“I thought that was a good idea because it teaches them to give back, teaching them early that they have to give back and that they are responsible citizens of the territory,” she said.

5 Responses to “Civics in school will benefit the territory- Elton Georges”

  • vex (03/07/2015, 08:46) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    Blah blah blah blah
    • pete (04/07/2015, 10:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Any small society needs to understand the context where they live. To help thy neighbour, to be considerate, to understand history. Without civics we run the risk of "historical amnesia" and are doomed to escalate issues that were resolved before. Local history is important. "blah, blah blah" is not an answer and contributes to selfishness and self-importance. I wish everyone did community service. It also helps not only with learning responsibility, but potentially could lead to networking and jobs.
  • weed (03/07/2015, 10:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    good eleton
  • Teacher (03/07/2015, 11:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree it will sure benefit the individual and society on a whole. If one is to look at most of the persons who were taught civics especially in those days have enhance their wellbeing and make them to be well rounded folks. It may even make the younger ones to have a different perspective on life. So bring it on put it back in the school agenda once
  • civil (05/07/2015, 11:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    News flash! Civics is taught as a part of the social studies curriculum and has been for many years. I think that it is time for the minister to actually have a look at the curriculum so that he can be well informed as to what is being taught in the classroom.


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