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'More & more stories' of bad treatment in schools coming out – Hon Turnbull

- said issues must no longer be swept under the rug
Member of the Opposition and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull has claimed that more stories of bad-treatment of school children are coming to light ever since a teacher at the Ivan Dawson Primary School in Cane Garden Bay reportedly gave a student Pine-Sol to gaggle. Photo: VINO
Member of the Opposition and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull speaking to residents of Spooner's Estate at the Enis Adams Primary School in Meyers Estate on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Photo: VINO
Member of the Opposition and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull speaking to residents of Spooner's Estate at the Enis Adams Primary School in Meyers Estate on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. Photo: VINO
The incident of the student of the Ivan Dawson Primary School in Cane Garden Bay allegedly given Pine-Sol to gargle had sparked outrage across the Territory. Photo: VINO/File
The incident of the student of the Ivan Dawson Primary School in Cane Garden Bay allegedly given Pine-Sol to gargle had sparked outrage across the Territory. Photo: VINO/File
MEYERS ESTATE, Tortola, VI- Member of the Opposition and Second District Representative, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull has claimed that more stories of bad-treatment of school children are coming to light ever since a teacher at the Ivan Dawson Primary School in Cane Garden Bay reportedly gave a student Pine-Sol to gargle.

On January 30, 2020, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr The Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), who spoke out on the issue, said he was investigating the matter, and unearthed that "certainly, something did take place," he said to JTV's Cathy O. Richards.

Hon Wheatley said the matter would be sent to the Teaching Service Commission, "who makes decisions about anything involving this type of activity and any potential disciplinary actions."

"Everybody will be informed about what actions will take place," he added.

More stories emerging

Speaking to residents of Spooner's Estate on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Enis Adams Primary School in Meyers Estate, Hon Turnbull said, "There have been some issues overall, territory-wide, surrounding education. There is the issue with the teacher with the alleged detergent thing, and there are more stories coming out of different schools now, gross ills done with our students."

No more under the rug sweeps!

He added: "That is something that we have to pay attention to and we can't just sweep things under the rug anymore. We have to hold teachers, the system, the education department, the ministry and the government responsible because they are the ones responsible for our children."

The incident of the student allegedly given Pine-Sol to gargle had sparked outrage across the Territory.

11 Responses to “'More & more stories' of bad treatment in schools coming out – Hon Turnbull”

  • Man Mitch (05/02/2020, 13:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is just the tip of the Iceberg with some Teachers, not all, abusing people children in the schools. As a parent and other parents we are anxiously waiting for The Teachers Commission report. Parents are out here saying if a teacher put their hands on their child/children they are going to inflict some serious damages to the teacher.
    • (05/02/2020, 16:28) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
      I Cray for today’s society! With the new generation of parents we’re going to have lots of bad boys and girls. It’s the effect when the parents themselves are ratchet and got after jam babies. Lots of students should just be put in a school of themselves. I’m proud of the 80’s and very early blessings and parents of that generation. A large percentage of today’s parents are (special) ratchet but special.
      • parent (05/02/2020, 20:39) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
        Shame on you dont know the facts but putting blame on parents wow shame on you, if a child misbehaves or uses a bad word what are you saying the punishment is to put their life at risk, maybe death is the childnis allergic to that cleaner? Well sah I would not allow the like like you to babysit my dog
  • yea (05/02/2020, 14:27) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Daycares too!, and it is worst because your child can't speak to tell you what happened.
  • Anonymous (05/02/2020, 14:47) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    I like how the Opposition working hard on being relevant
  • Outsider (05/02/2020, 21:23) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is all because the young (non focus then students) are the present day parents. When teacher so and so use to pinch, hit you on your knuckles and made you scrub the desk on Friday afternoons was there a problem. But nobody dead and you aint tell your mother. And hear the rant now(not cordoning the mishap). That village aint raising that child.....!
  • Norris Turnbull (05/02/2020, 21:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is a lot of laundry need airing out right about now.
  • Teacher (06/02/2020, 05:49) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    First of all what that teacher did was WRONG! HOWEVER, parents need to be more involved in making sure their children are held accountable. Imagine you have one or two even three. Sometimes you just want to get away from them. Teachers have up to 20 or more all day every day. It really can be frustrating and exhausting. Go to the school and check on your children. Make sure they are being respectful and doing what they are supposed to do. If your child says that the teacher is not treating him/her right go to the school and check it out for yourself. Do not bad talk a teacher in front of your child. That child will have an attitude towards that teacher. Teachers are humans. We may get angry and shout but it is ok. I had a class that used to help me count from 1 to 10 when they see me get hot over something. At the end I am laughing instead. Support teachers. Our job is difficult especially when you have the one or two students who are determined to waste your money!!!!
  • Missy (06/02/2020, 08:05) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    So i guess the teacher is from here (b.v.i.) because if she was from down island we would of heard her name already
  • A Parent (06/02/2020, 08:22) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am looking into getting the information needed on home schooling my child.
  • OMG (06/02/2020, 11:33) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    All I am going to say is WOW. This is the height of BS.. The schools suppose to be safe place for kids (but I guess not). And we celebrate Child Abuse Month like nobody's business. WOW like Really. This is sad.....


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