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Parents angry over High School Book shortage!

- Education Minister blasted for focusing on the wrong things
This morning as schools across the Territory commence the new academic year parents fume over the shortage of school books. Photo: VINO/File
Former Minister for Education Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said that it is only through proper monitoring will accountability be realized in a consistent manner. In any programme or organization, no one does what is expected only what is inspected and that the book programme’s success is fully hinged on proper monitoring. Photo: VINO/File
Former Minister for Education Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) said that it is only through proper monitoring will accountability be realized in a consistent manner. In any programme or organization, no one does what is expected only what is inspected and that the book programme’s success is fully hinged on proper monitoring. Photo: VINO/File
Several persons blasted the Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn for this claiming that he has been placing his focus in the wrong direction and not looking into serious matters especially at the High Schools. Photo: VINO/File
Several persons blasted the Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn for this claiming that he has been placing his focus in the wrong direction and not looking into serious matters especially at the High Schools. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – This morning September 8, 2014 for most children especially those turning out to High School (HS) for the first time, it should be a memorable moment. But rather it was quite the opposite as both the children and parents are peeved about not having the required textbooks.

Several parents of mainly High School students complained bitterly of the shortage of textbooks both at the schools’ book loan programme and in the local book stores. Further, they were given the book list just one week before school re-opened.

“This is the most sickening experience. My child going out to High School for his first year, we were almost every day trying to get the book list and they couldn’t give it to us until the last moment. Then the sad thing was we signed up for the book loan programme and from the long list we only got one book,” expressed one angry mother.

This was the case also of several parents from the Virgin Gorda Community. They complained that they had books gift certificates valuing as much as $200 and with them not getting the books from the schools they went to purchase using their gift certificates.

“This make sense? The main bookstore in the entire Territory had absolutely not a single high school textbook and they telling you about delays and that they were going to get the books by this weekend and we should wait until then and return,” explained a mother.

Several persons blasted the Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn for this claiming that he has been placing his focus in the wrong direction and not looking into serious matters especially at the High Schools.

“That is news they should carry to him (Hon Walwyn), that is what the news carrier should be asking him to investigate not for him to victimize (allegedly) principals and other teachers and even some parents who he don’t like. Look into the book loans programme and see that there is a major shortage and fix it. Let them organize themselves properly so we could have book lists early, that’s what he needs to be doing,” said one parent.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith also came in for some harsh criticism as they claimed that he has been encouraging residents to shop locally. “Shop locally and your biggest bookstore don’t have the simplest high school book, not even a proper note book they don’t have. We have to be sending to Grenada, Trinidad, Guyana and these places to get the books and he increasing fees, nonsense I am truly fed up of this government and the un-necessary stress they causing us,” said the parent.

While several efforts to reach any senior Education official over the week end failed, former Minister for Education Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) responded. When asked about his opinion about the seemingly failing book system in the High schools, he responded, “The book programme’s success is fully hinged on proper monitoring.”

He stated further, “Only through proper monitoring will accountability be realized in a consistent manner. In any programme or organization, no one does what is expected only what is inspected. I don't know what the current status is of the loan book programme at the secondary level but in the best interest of all concerned it would need to be rectified because a few parents genuinely are experiencing financial hardship & this programme will assist them tremendously in getting their children the needed textbooks.”

He further stated the book list would need to be distributed earlier in the summer so the bookstores can order the textbooks earlier & if not then at least parents can make alternate plans to try to get the needed textbooks for their children. “All in all it is in the best interest of all to have this matter rectified as a matter of urgency,” noted Hon Fahie.

Nonetheless Hon Fahie took the time out to wish teachers, parents, students, education officials & support staff the best for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. “I pray that through the Blood of His Son Jesus Christ, God will cover & protect all stakeholders. Governments past & present have improved our education system realizing that once our people become educated then our country in every respect especially socially & economically will exceed everyone's expectations.”

Hon Fahie declared that this school year will be the best school year ever. “I encourage all stakeholders to never give up no matter the challenges experienced this school year. Once we do not give up then together we will move our Territory from good to great thereby allowing us to truly cultivate a culture of excellence. Together we will do it!  Happy 2014-2015 school year, the year when the new generation of the BVI will start to take their rightful place.”

37 Responses to “Parents angry over High School Book shortage!”

  • chad (08/09/2014, 08:55) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am not a Fahie fan but I appreciate his encouraging words & input on this matter. No matter who is at fault this matter needs rectifying asap.
  • hold on (08/09/2014, 09:01) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    Myron will respond soon by blaming someone for the failure of the book loan programme.
    • x (08/09/2014, 10:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      S bar must be busy
    • BVIslander (08/09/2014, 11:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      for those parents who are interested in purchasing second hand text books (that is if the texts are the same), please call 341 2460. high school texts and a few college texts remaining.
  • ooooo (08/09/2014, 09:10) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    after the lavish dinner and purchasing of race horses no money to buy books? is that what i'm hearing? NDP no darn priority
  • who the cap fit let them wear it (08/09/2014, 09:16) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
    Instead of in the house giving out letters that were not addressed to him he should be out here giving out school books.
  • Schups (08/09/2014, 09:26) Like (22) Dislike (15) Reply

    Ok, let's fire all education staff and let the Minister do everything himself, seeing that nobody else is responsible. When he fires them, he's bad. When he leaves them in their posts to do bulls..t, it's his fault. Blah! Parents that are really concerned about their kids will do what's necessary not bicker about bulls..t. Let Andrew haul his a.. because the school was rotting away under his leadership.

    • Hmm (08/09/2014, 12:03) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
      AMEN!!!!!!! My sentiments exactly!! Parents themselves need to stop this blame game and show concern for their children. Create more than one avenue in case one fails. Some parents themselves has little to NO priority and then complain that the government doesn't have...CLEAN YOUR CLOSET FIRST!!
  • trrefdrfds (08/09/2014, 09:39) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Anyone knows whats going on with wheatley's(NEB) bookstore, for over a month I have been going/calling to check to see if they got books (highschool/primary) and to no avail. Then I went to Island services, from what Im seeing they trying to pick up the ball that wheatley's dropped and I have managed to get most of my books so far. I applaud them for working so diligently although they were given some lists very late, ehich seems to be NES's fault. I dont know what going on, but what is the Minister for Education saying about this situation, we the parents need to know whats going on.
    • NES ... (08/09/2014, 12:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      They ordered no Grade 8 High School texts.

      Island Services has most of the books but the rest will need to be purchased from the High School when the high school bookstore is stocked. Do not stress 'cause the teachers are aware that books are not available so hopefully they will excuse students for not having them for a while. Similar situation last year
  • Modern Line (08/09/2014, 09:50) Like (31) Dislike (1) Reply
    Give me a break. I have been to university and they sometimes run out of books on Day 1. In this day and age shouldn't we be able to get our text books online? Why aren't we heading in that direction? Furthermore teachers prepare the syllabus for their relevant subjects, why not take excerpts from the relevant pages in the text book, and pass them out as hand outs in the class?? Time to cut this shyte out now man. In my history of school, I have found that we hardly use those text books for the money we spend on buying them.
  • Past Student (08/09/2014, 10:17) Like (22) Dislike (14) Reply
    Is that Myron fault?........ What happen to the management or the person responsible for ordering the books and also what happen to wheatleys book store.Ayo stop trying to make the Education Minister look bad .People are paid to do a job.
  • xerox-kyocera (08/09/2014, 10:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The teachers would have to copy the pages for the days lesson until the books are available.
    • Alright (08/09/2014, 11:14) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      Always a darn excuse!! High School has more students than a university for example? The teacher uses many aids in the class room. Copy the relevant pages, and send the students to do some research as well. In this modern day and age, where we can get information at our finger tips!!Give me a break. Stop spoon feeding people now man. And who says one text book is better than another? Some of them explain in more detail than others. Use what we have to achieve what we want! Furthermore everybody has an email address, good time to get the parents involved too, instead of copying and to cut costs, scan and email them around to the parents, post them on the Power School Board. Why the hell we spend so much time and money on that for and we cant use it to our advantage. So the parents, teachers and students are apprised of the subject. Its a modern age we live in.
  • bay yute (08/09/2014, 10:39) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    Dr Smith bell that cat
  • Chick (08/09/2014, 11:46) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Use Amazon.com
  • BVIslander (08/09/2014, 12:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you are interested in purchasing used high school text books (that is if they are the same), then please call 341 2460. I have a few college texts as well for resale. I agree with the comment about having parents purchasing texts and them not being used. It is absolutely ridiculous...
  • Gasso (08/09/2014, 12:07) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Amazon.com
    • xxxxxxxx (08/09/2014, 14:10) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
      Then Myron has the gall to throw words lately at fraser? The ministry of education has run wild under his watch!
  • pat (08/09/2014, 13:52) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    And imagine dr smith trying to cover for he saying the man spending we money right this needs an investigation
  • Voters (08/09/2014, 13:57) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply

    My..n will cause the ndp to lose the next election

  • UK student (08/09/2014, 14:11) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    he does not care he thinks he will get reelected with out a wip but stay tune
  • FYI (08/09/2014, 14:23) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Parents have every right to complain because most were asking all summer long for a booklist and were told there was none. At the end of the term a booklist was given out and the minster responsible asked who gave out the list and the last time he checked he was the minister....now you tell me who to blame....he micromanages every dam thing....thats why he gets ALL the blame...if he don't touch it, it can't happen. SMH
    • Well.. (08/09/2014, 15:07) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
      Nothing is wrong with blaming him, but when the students excel I don't hear anyone praising him. So, it's okay to take credit for the negative and tell him scatter his backside when good things happen in Education? Ok, got ya!
  • care (08/09/2014, 14:43) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    If the politician allow the the education department and the principals tho do their jobs some of these problems will not arise, let the principals krun their schools. Was money aloted off the ordering of text books. Many things are being introduced in the schools. The tools must be there to work with.do not take on more than you can carry.. Politician set policies. Do not try to run the schools. You will fail.
  • parole buddy (08/09/2014, 16:35) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    How can the school order the text books when there was no money to fund the purchase? Money has just now become available and it is not much. The schools are in serious trouble, new programs are rolling out left and right but no money to fund them. The only reason why some of you people can't bring yourself to blame the minister for what is happening is because you all are to ashamed to admit that you made a mistake last election day. Don't make another one by not correcting the previous one.
  • Messy (08/09/2014, 16:57) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    First of all every school year the high needs to to purchase book so why is there a shortage of books. And also why are the children placed so crazily this year
  • This is funny (08/09/2014, 17:08) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Look at this they said they we're going to build a new airport or cruise ship dock but none of them even have a blue print but at least $800 could have bought a little bit of books..... Ok
  • mary j (08/09/2014, 19:14) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply

    Everything M.ron touch is a mess

  • Donald E. de Castro (08/09/2014, 20:01) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    There is something very inaccurate about this story. The Book List was given to all that attend the meeting held in June. That meeting was held the same day that the Atlhea Scattliife had their Graduation and when we inquired about the books we were told to expect them between the end of August or you can go to Island Services to order your books. Today we were told that the books were here but because the cashiers were not at the school the books will be available tomorrow from 12noon. I personally wanted to support the school so I did not order my books elsewhere.
  • John (08/09/2014, 22:25) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    The department of education needs to look in to certain department at the Elmore stout high school certain teachers have not been treated fairly .Those who are in the head of department if they don't like you they have they friends at the education department to get you out. every thing will come to light
    • parent (10/09/2014, 14:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      What they need to do is ensure that they are doing what they are being paid to do. There is too much politics in that high school. I hope that the new principal will 'take the bull by the horn.'
  • stupidness (08/09/2014, 23:58) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well I went to Serendipity Bookshop and they were trying to get the text book list ever since but Ministry/Department never would give them the thing, they said had they got that they would not have closed for the rest of the summer so that the kids would get their books and that they wouldn't of added too much on to the bookprice. What makes the situation worse is that some of the mandatory books aren't even available, hoiw you going to put books on a booklist that not even a book store could get and is generally hard for the parents and even those same book stores to get! TOTAL MESS. Thank god that white woman in the store give me links to some of the books online and the movie links on youtube to some of them and study notes. But my children should not have to be relying on these things, why the schools and the MINISTRY can't ensure all the books are available before setting them as mandatory, this getting me so hot man!

    None of this would have happened under Andrew Fahie, at least he cares! Those NDP people don't care about the young people education, they rather give their contracts and information to their friends than keep the young people educated. PURE NONSENSE!
  • VG Resident (09/09/2014, 09:24) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I GOT ALL MY CHILD BOOKS FROM VG THE ONLY THING I DID NOT GET WAS PAPER GLUE WHICH IS THE LEAST. TORTOLA PEOPLE EVEN CAME TO VG TO GET BOOKS AND GOT THEM JUST FOR THE RECORD.
  • ccc (09/09/2014, 19:42) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is Myron a King? He is not even a Real BVI Islander. Tek dat,
  • data (09/09/2014, 21:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yeah but in their back packs,I bet they have a whole lot of free stuff they were given for school. In life #$%^ happens so give thanks and move on without anger....geez
    How many of these mothers/fathers are school volunteers? How many of their children worked during the summer and earned moneys for school supplies?
  • Eqalizer (10/09/2014, 11:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don’t understand what the brew ha-ha is all about.
    Parents should insist that the Education Department publish a list of school books, authors, ISBN #, and publisher. In the event of situations such as this, the parents can purchase these books from other sources and I venture to say at a much more economical price.
    There is an overabundance of technological avenues i.e. internet that can be explored. No need to live in the dark ages.


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