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‘I was quoting a request’ for the 2 laptops- Hon Fraser

- says digital divide has now left many VI children unable to learn
Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) says he never requested two government laptops for his home use, rather, he was quoting a request from a parent who wanted assistance to get access to computers. Photo: VINO/File
As online learning soars in a world of COVID-19, this digital divide is now putting many children in the Virgin Islands at a disadvantage for not having access to computers, tablets or other devices to take advantage of digital learning. Photo: Internet Source
As online learning soars in a world of COVID-19, this digital divide is now putting many children in the Virgin Islands at a disadvantage for not having access to computers, tablets or other devices to take advantage of digital learning. Photo: Internet Source
Hon Fraser also supported the call for more scholarship to be given the people of the territory and the revival of the VI’s ‘vagarious scholarship programme,’ where guaranteed scholarships offered. Photo: VINO/File
Hon Fraser also supported the call for more scholarship to be given the people of the territory and the revival of the VI’s ‘vagarious scholarship programme,’ where guaranteed scholarships offered. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) says he never requested two government laptops for his home use, rather, he was quoting a request from a parent who wanted assistance to access computers for their children.

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) quoted Mr Fraser as saying, “I am getting requests for computers. I mean it's like, in my household, I have two children and I need two laptops, so I asked the Minister about it [and] he told me that they are getting involved in a programme where they would loan laptops to the kids but I haven't seen [and] heard anything about it since."

However, according to the veteran politician, he was not referring to himself, rather, retelling the story of a parent who has now found themself on the bitter end of the digital divide.

Online learning the new reality

As online learning soars in a world of COVID-19, this digital divide is now putting many children in the Virgin Islands at a disadvantage for not having access to computers, tablets or other devices to take advantage of digital learning.

Hon Fraser, in a Tuesday, May 26, 2020, online meeting said, “The online learning for our kids, we had a computer programme for the kids before, what happened to the computers?” he said.

“Now we go into the lockdown where the kids have to do their work at home and we are finding out that they don’t have computers, they don’t even have data!” 

Mr Fraser noted that although carriers are offering data services and free data, he pointed out that persons would still need to subscribe to a plan in order take advantage of those offers, “some of the parents don’t have it, a lot of them don’t have laptops!” he said.

According to Hon Fraser, nobody bargained for COVID-19 and the new realities; however, he said the Government needs to provide answers, data on the challenges and also solutions.

More scholarships needed - Hon Fraser 

Hon Fraser also supported the call for more scholarships to be given to the people of the Territory and the revival of the VI’s ‘scholarship programme,’ where guaranteed scholarships were offered.

“I am totally behind the request for scholarships, that’s how this county was built and there is absolutely no reason for it to change”.

He said scholarships are and will remain a catalyst for many of the people in the Territory, especially the youths. “We have to get back to that!”

12 Responses to “‘I was quoting a request’ for the 2 laptops- Hon Fraser”

  • lol (29/05/2020, 13:10) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fraser need take the money out his personal pockets to give them 2 laptops
  • My girl (29/05/2020, 13:10) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Totally agree with Mr Fraser, we need the scholship back!
    • facts (29/05/2020, 16:42) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      As a student about to graduate, i feel the same. Now i will have to work for couple years to get money to go to school. Hopefully during the time i working, my interest to attend school is still present
  • hold up (29/05/2020, 13:57) Like (25) Dislike (1) Reply
    So you want to tell me that a big whisker growing man don't know how to go about making a quote???? He made it seem like it was his household, guess he was embarrassed by the backlash LOL
    • @Hold up (29/05/2020, 16:26) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is not how you quote something. He is now doing damage control because he got roasted from the community.
      • A VOTER IN #6 (30/05/2020, 10:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        HE WAS CAUGHT WITH HIS PANTS DOWN, NOW HE'S TRYING TO PULL IT UP..BUT HE BODY ALREADY EXPOSE.
  • one eye (29/05/2020, 14:02) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks for the clarification
  • Scholarships (29/05/2020, 17:00) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Give more scholarships and remove the ridiculous requirements that students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. What you are saying you will only give scholarships to students who maintain an A grade. Most students are going to be a B student. So give the students a chance a 2.5 grade point average is the standard that should be asked for and do not follow the ridiculous HLSCC grading system that says you can only get an A if you score 100%.
  • Me (29/05/2020, 17:20) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    Are people that dumb in the world that mister fraser had to come back and clarify himself for them
    • @me (30/05/2020, 10:30) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      No. People are that smart, that we caught on to his nonsense and he had to try and find a way to back track.
  • tretretrete (29/05/2020, 17:31) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Something doesnt feel right....
  • jokers (30/05/2020, 10:30) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    FRAZER FRAZER FRAZER NOW YOUR GOOD $$$3000.000 KKKKKKSSSSS YOU CAN BUY YOUR LESS FORTUNATE KIDS HOME IN YOUR HOUSE LAPTOPS AND MANY MORE FULLJOY!!!!


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