Hon Walwyn & Education Ministry blasted for allegedly failing VI debaters
Most recently, one person using the social media, Mariam Jallow, took a swipe at the controversial Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL) for allegedly have the debating body of the VI in limbo “and hurting.”
According to Jallow, she is not one that engages in posting her problems online in hopes of attention, but in this instance she feels this issue should be considered a concern of the community.
According to her post, "I recently found out that the British Virgin Islands will no longer be hosting the Leeward Islands Debating Competition, an event which circulates between participating countries, due to a lack of funding, despite having 7 years to accumulate funds and prepare for the event. As a result, the Literary and Debating Society at Elmore Stoutt High School, a long-standing, educationally important club, will no longer exist."
She further explained that current and former members of the club, including herself have expressed disappointment and frustrations to the Ministry of Education, and requested a meeting with officials and the Minister to could hopefully discuss alternative solutions to the problem. Unfortunately, these attempts were to no avail.
"I know many people won't find this important, but a lot of students, parents and teachers do. I, and many others, wouldn't be who we are today without that club. To know that the BVI will no longer be able to present itself as a nation which breeds intellectuals, and supports the educational ventures of its students disheartens me greatly. 7 years to prepare, and we are still unprepared."
Only athletes? What about intellects?
"If little St Maarten could host it, if little Nevis could host it, why can't we? This competition is one of the ONLY government funded opportunities for students NOT specialising in athletics to network, learn, and represent the British Virgin Islands. We send students away to run, jump and give their all to show the world what this country is about. Just this once, was it too much to ask to show the world that in a battle of intellect, we can come out on top too?"
Many commented to the concerns and hurts of the debaters group and in one instance a Facebook user commented that the $1 million wall was not a priority as the very issues it was said to be constructed for is even worse today.
"The government was busy building a million dollar wall around the school. Sorry. This is not ok," said Solange Kerry-Ann.
Tania Cassie commented, "Very disappointing. Especially since the students have indicated that they are willing to assist with fundraising activities to help offset the costs. Come on, leh we do this ting."
One Ms Burril asked, "Wow, that is very disappointing and indicates complete lack of foresight. Not the message that should be sent to the students. Is it possible to get sponsorship from local businesses and individuals?"
One user responded: "I was going to suggest the same thing, Sharon! How much is needed? Is it something we, as a community, can fundraise together?"
The 2017 Leeward Islands Debating Competition, which sees participation from St Kitts, St Maarten, Nevis, Montserrat, [British] Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Antigua, was held in February in Nevis. It is not clear who is scheduled to host next year.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach Education Ministry officials for comments were unsuccessful up to time of publication.
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29 Responses to “Hon Walwyn & Education Ministry blasted for allegedly failing VI debaters”
The teacher who put the students need to speak the truth and stop filling those students heads with false information.
Where in the world do you consent to hosting such an event without informing the government or other agencies knowing that you or your organization don't have the funding to put on such an event.
We need to stop causing disharmony by using our students to be entangled in dischord.
If it was up to be Mrs. A you would have been SET FREE.
Firstly, this is an annual event that occurs every year in different countries. Let it be known that this is NOT the first time that the BVI has been required to host this event. Every year, when it comes around, the minister tells members of the organization to come to him for funding instead of outside sources, so he KNOWS that the time was coming. Furthermore, if the Government truly has interest in our children and the education system itself, they would KNOW that every year this event occurs and it is one of the only literary and debating competitions for our students. This competition happens EVERY YEAR and has been for the last 40 years. It was only a matter of time before the BVI would be required to host it. Once we are a part of the competition, we HAVE to host it when our turn comes around, it is an AGREEMENT.
You should be ashamed of yourself. This sends a negative message to our students. As a past debater and someone that has been to this competition, I am disappointed and discouraged. How can we expect our young people to be willing to do anything that is POSITIVE. WHERE IS THE SUPPORT ?? WHERE IS THE SUPPORT?!!!!!
2. The Ministry was always aware of the society and country's responsibility towards hosting this event. There is no reason for us to have to seek permission once more. LIDC's hosting responsibilities is a rotation; a rotation that we were all aware of, society and ministry alike.
3. It is extremely difficult for the society to even begin planning to raise funds for such an event when we are already booked with raising funds to simply travel to the competition for the past years.
4. This is not our teachers putting us to the task of causing disharmony, which we by no means intend to do. This is us as a society fighting for what we know and love, fighting for the very thing that equips persons like myself to respond to you so eloquently.
#SETUSFREE!
He just feel if he is not to the forefront, nothing can happen. He just need to stop his divide, rule and concur position.
Before meeting the complaint was lack of govt funding. Post meeting all is good but looking for private funding.
The big concern is how little money the govt seems to have for small beer like this, while simultaneously raping all visitors at every opportunity.
Firstly if you had that 'lady' as an English teacher you'd have way better english comprehension skills and secondly wouldn't be so close-minded and ignorant as the person you obviously portray in this comment. It's quite funny how I got that all from a comment of yours..I wouldn't dear wanna see your Facebook posts. Have a great day!